Toxic Substances: Information on Lead Hazards in Child Care Facilities and Schools Is Limited

GAO discussed lead hazards in child care facilities and schools, focusing on: (1) federal, state, and local programs and activities to inspect for and address lead hazards in child care facilities and schools; and (2) existing information on the extent and treatment of lead hazards in these facilities and schools. GAO noted that: (1) federal agencies conduct numerous activities to address lead hazards in general, but only a few of these programs specifically address lead hazards in child care facilities and schools; (2) the programs that address lead hazards are only available to a relatively small number of facilities and schools; (3) state and local agencies inspect child care facilities and schools for lead hazards to a lesser extent than federal agencies and they devote little effort to inspecting lead hazards in paint and soil, which are considered to be the two primary sources of high levels of lead in children's blood; and (4) there is not sufficient information for assessing the full extent of lead hazards in child care facilities and schools and how adequately these hazards are being addressed.