Legislature passes proposal to lower lead limits

CONCORD, N.H. --Lawmakers voted Wednesday to cut in half the level of lead in a child's blood that triggers a state investigation.

The bill -- sponsored by Sen. Betsi DeVries, D-Manchester, -- would reduce the lead limits that both trigger a doctor's report to the state and an investigation into the possible source from 20 micrograms to 10 micrograms. The bill also would expand where investigators could look.

Currently, investigators can only check the apartment where the child lives. The bill would let them check other apartments in the building for possible lead contamination if a problem is found in the child's home. Supporters said New Hampshire can't afford to leave the threshold at the current level because that most likely will lead to permanent brain damage.

"We want to prevent our children from being subjected to a lifelong disability," DeVries said.

But the bill wasn't without its opponents, who said the bill doesn't do enough to test all children.

"This has nothing to do with testing children," said Sen. Jack Barnes, who wanted universal testing. "You're adding six more people (at the Department of Health and Human Services). There are people dying here and we're sitting here. There's something wrong."

State Sen. Ted Gatsas said the change was fine, but doesn't do enough for prevention.

"Either we test, or we have children who have lead-paint poisoning," said Sen. Ted Gatsas, who was among the nine senators who voted against the bill.

Critics argued better education and closer attention to housing for immigrants would take care of many of the problems without imposing broad changes that could hurt the rental market.

Property owners opposed the bill. They asked for a study of alternatives. They said costs escalate rapidly once the state orders landlords to abate the problem.

Currently, landlords must remove lead paint within two years if the paint is identified as the cause of a child's lead poisoning. The bill lets landlords take a variety of other measures as long as the child isn't at risk.

If the hazard is found in a unit where a child doesn't live or regularly frequent, interim controls -- such as painting -- can be used for an extended period.

The change takes effect Jan. 1.