New pollution laws get tough on lead
October 19, 2008
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Moira Welsh
ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
The Environmental Protection Agency in the United States has issued new standards against lead emissions in the air, after being forced by a court order to get tough on industrial polluters.
Ontario will see similar standards taking effect as part of the government's new air quality regulations that focus on 14 toxic substances.
The EPA said this week it will cut permissible lead emissions in the air by 90 per cent, making the rule 10 times tighter than previously. This will give better protection to residents who live near smelters and foundries, the most significant sources of airborne lead particles – especially to children who are very vulnerable to the effects of lead.
There is no known safe level for lead, the EPA said, citing extensive scientific studies that show exposure early in life can affect IQ, learning, memory and behaviour. In Ontario, similar standards take effect on Feb. 1, 2010. The standards for lead are among the first to be enforced by the ministry under the new air quality regulations.
Lead was in the news recently when a Star investigation exposed high levels of the toxic substance in children's toys. Several toy companies have been forced to recall products made in China because the paint on them contained lead.
Kathleen Cooper, a senior researcher with the Canadian Environmental Law Association, said changes like the new EPA limits may force additional change.
"This puts a pressure on all the other places where we need to be regulating lead properly, particularly in consumer products like toys," Cooper said.
The EPA was responding to a lawsuit filed by the Missouri Coalition for the Environment seeking changes to the standard. After several extensions, the EPA was given an Oct. 15 deadline.
The new limit of 0.15 micrograms per cubic metre is 10 times lower than the earlier lead standards. Kathy Grant, an Ontario environment ministry spokesperson, said the EPA limits are basically the same as Ontario's new limit of 1.5 micrograms, because they're measured over different time periods.
Toronto Star
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