The San Diego City Council Tuesday considered two measures aimed at reducing hazards associated with lead-based paints in homes built before 1979. After two hours of testimony, the Council approved one of the two measures. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.
As lead-based paint ages, it chips and children and babies sometimes put those chips in their mouths. That's one way they get lead poisoning. The two ordinances the Council considered would prevent, identify and remedy lead hazards in San Diego housing. But one of the proposals would have required lead-based paint to be removed when a property is sold.
San Diego Association of Realtors President Lori Staehling says that would hurt home buyers and sellers.
Staehling: Anything we do that adds a burden to the cost of those homes is something that we naturally fight against. If it's as simple a matter as a $700 paint job, then I would argue that all homes are probably already safe. I would guess that most all homes that were built prior to 1978 have already been painted at least once.
But Laura Benson told the council that covering the lead-based paint with something else doesn't provide enough protection for children living in those older homes.
Benson: You have the opportunity today to take a real bold action to eliminate lead hazards from San Diego's homes. All the children who are here today, whether their parents rent a home or own one, deserve nothing less than full protection from lead poisoning.
At the end of the hearing, the Council voted for the less stringent of the two measures - the one that does not require removal of lead-based paint when a home is sold. The ordinance expands the city code to match state and federal standards and requires the use of lead-safe work practices.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.
