ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, August 5, 1996                 TAG: 9608050034
SECTION: EDITORIAL                PAGE: A-4  EDITION: METRO 

PAINT REMOVAL GET THE LEAD OUT OF HOMES

VIRGINIA'S disgracefully slow response in spending federal dollars to help remove lead paint from homes demands quick reversal.

Lead paint now is banned for use in homes. But many older homes are filled with the stuff, and paint chips and lead dust are poisoning or at least affecting children around the state - 40,000 younger than 6, according to state Health Department data. Roanoke was among six cities with the highest number of cases in 1995.

Lead poisoning that occurs at such a tender age affects developing brain cells, and is associated with a string of disabilities, including lower IQ. One of the most cost-effective investments that government can make is to pay for the removal or containment of lead paint in the homes of people who are too poor to pay for the repair or to move.

That sound premise is the basis for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants for lead abatement, one of which was awarded to Virginia in December 1993. So, how goes the effort more than 21/2 years after Virginia got $5.4 million from HUD and committed $2.5 million in matching funds? What progress has been made?

Zero. Zilch. Not one paint chip removed.

But, an official of the state Department of Housing and Community Development assures the public, lead abatement is a priority. The agency is going full speed, figuring out such complexities as developing a form that doctors can give to their young patients' parents so the state can identify potential participants. Then six houses around the state will be chosen for a pilot project.

Such foot-dragging has put Virginia's grant in danger. HUD naturally is wondering if the money wouldn't be better spent in the 15 states - soon to be 16 - that have implemented their programs. There, the money would be doing somebody some good.

But not the 40,000-and-counting children of Virginia who, as each day passes, are at risk of being stunted in their development, a high price that all Virginians will share.

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