New legislation introduced in the House and Senate would protect military families from lead exposure in their homes, the New Bern, N.C., Sun Journal reported Tuesday.
The proposal by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) and Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) would guarantee lead exposure testing in children; require testing and mitigation for lead and lead-based paint in DOD schools; and prevent the military from discouraging lead testing in homes.
“The military’s response to lead contamination in base housing and schools is appalling,” Speier, chair of the Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, said in a press release. “Lead can cause developmental damage in children. This is not how any family should be treated, but it’s even more egregious given the sacrifices their families undertake.”
Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Enjoli Saunders
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