What is the primary goal of lead abatement?

The primary goal of lead abatement is to permanently eliminate lead hazards. This process is essential for protecting public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women who are at greater risk of the harmful effects of lead exposure. Lead abatement encompasses various techniques designed to remove or encapsulate lead-based paints and other sources of lead in a safe and effective manner.

While educating the community about lead exposure is important, it is a supportive measure rather than the primary focus of lead abatement. Similarly, collecting data on lead levels is vital for understanding the extent of lead hazards but does not directly address the removal of those hazards. Cost reduction in renovation is also a secondary concern; effective lead abatement may require significant investment to ensure the safety and health of occupants, which cannot be compromised for financial reasons. Thus, the clear objective is the complete and permanent resolution of lead hazards to safeguard health.