THE LONGER-TERM EFFECTIVENESS OF RESIDENTIAL LEAD PAINT ABATEMENT

Residential lead-based paint and settled dust are important sources of lead exposure in U.S. children. Scant information exists on the long- term effectiveness of alternative lead abatement practices. In this ex tended (1.5-3.5 years) follow-up study of comprehensive abatement, 179 wipe dust samples were collected in 13 occupied dwellings for which p re-and immediately postabatement (clearance) dust lead data were avail able. Dust lead loadings (mg/m(2)) 1.5 to 3.5 years postabatement were 16, 10, and 4% of preabatement levels for floors, window sills, and w indow wells, respectively. Furthermore, 78% of readings remained withi n Maryland's interim clearance standards, indicating that sustained re ductions of dust lead hazards were achieved in comprehensively abated dwellings located in older unabated housing areas. (C) 1994 Academic P ress, Inc.