Why We Did This Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General conducted this evaluation to determine whether the EPA verifies that EPA-authorized state lead-based paint programs continue to meet regulatory requirements after initial authorization. We initiated this evaluation in response to an anonymous OIG Hotline complaint.
Summary of Findings
The EPA is not verifying that authorized state lead-based paint programs remain at least as protective of human health and the environment as the federal programs and that the programs provide adequate enforcement after initial program authorization. Without changes to the EPA’s oversight procedures, authorized state lead-based paint programs may not adequately protect public health, and children may suffer adverse and irreversible health effects.