(Host) New provisions go into effect today that are designed to strengthen Vermont’s existing law to prevent lead poisoning.
Health Commissioner Sharon Moffatt says homeowners will be required to use lead-safe practices for renovation, remodeling and maintenance.
(Moffatt) “It’s a recognition that lead poisoning is preventable, that we have to be looking at lead poisoning exposure at multiple areas, that it’s not just in rental homes but that actually it’s on our, if you will, housing stock in Vermont.”
(Host) The new provisions also require people selling homes or rental property to disclose the presence of lead. And there are new maintenance requirements for landlords and child care facilities.
Moffatt says the state needs to be aggressive in preventing lead poisoning because it has an old housing stock.
(Moffatt) “This is a particular focus on the expectations of homeowners, landlords, child care facilities, to remove the lead. What’s critically important here is that there’s a fair amount of education needed by all of us in terms of how to best remove lead, or eliminate lead in our homes.”
(Host) The new provisions apply to homes and rental properties built before 1978.