SD7 - Lead Poisoning Prevention


Executive Summary:
The lead poisoning prevention study evolved from the 1993 study of lead paint abatement to its present posture of seeking to prevent lead poisoning. The study logo still reflects the study's early years, remaining as it was originally designed---a dripping paint can.

Senate Joint Resolution 380, the 2005 enabling resolution, directed the Joint Subcommittee to: (i) monitor the evolution of the data-sharing partnership established by the Joint Subcommittee in the data-sharing statute, § 32.1-127.1:04 of the Code of Virginia; (ii) monitor the completion of the reference database of statewide health-related data elements required by SB 565 of 2004; (iii) examine issues relating to lead poisoning among immigrant and adopted children; and (iv) seek to assist the Department of Health and the Department of Housing and Community Development in every appropriate way in maintaining federal funding.

As in previous years, the Joint Subcommittee reviewed lead poisoning prevention activities in the Commonwealth and evaluated the issues to identify any problems that may be resolved through legislative solutions.

The Joint Subcommittee's work session identified three issues that were amenable to legislative action: (i) guaranteeing that the Virginia Department of Health could meet all 10 of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 10 essential elements; (ii) ensuring the exchange of information between the various departments needed to implement one federal grant and to enhance Virginia's competitive position for federal funding in 2006; and (iii) continuing the study in order to assist the agencies in every appropriate way with obtaining funding and reaching the goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning.

The 2005 composite report of the Joint Subcommittee's work from its inception in 1993 through its 2004 activities was published as Senate Document 7 of 2006. A supplemental report relating to the Joint Subcommittee's 2005 work and 2006 legislation will be published at a later date in 2006.