
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 22, 1991                   TAG: 9102220107
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

LEAD-POISON REDUCTION PLAN URGED

Calling lead "the No. 1 environmental poison for children," the Bush administration Thursday proposed a long-term strategy to reduce exposure to the toxic substance.

As many as 3 million to 4 million American children under age 6 have high enough levels of lead in their blood to cause mental and other health problems, said Health and Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan.

Federal officials estimated the plan would cost nearly $1 billion over the next five years. The administration has proposed spending $50 million in fiscal 1992, and officials said the cost would have to be shared with state and local governments and the private sector.

Lawmakers and consumer groups attacked the lack of federal funding.

The metal is found in lead-based paint, soil and dust and, because of corrosion of lead pipes and other fixtures, in water.

- Los Angeles Times

by CNB