Which federal agency is responsible for regulating target housing and child-occupied facilities?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for regulating target housing and child-occupied facilities in relation to lead-based paint hazards. This regulation is grounded in the need to protect vulnerable populations, especially children, from the dangers of lead exposure which can occur in older homes where lead paint was commonly used.

HUD plays a crucial role in establishing guidelines and ensuring compliance with the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act. This law requires that properties built before 1978, including those that are rented or sold, must disclose the presence of lead-based paint and provide relevant safety information. By focusing on target housing and child-occupied facilities, HUD aims to mitigate the risks associated with lead paint, making living environments safer for families and children.

While other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, also deal with lead-related issues, their focus is broader or on different aspects of public health and safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration primarily focuses on workplace safety rather than residential environments. Therefore, HUD’s specific mandate encompasses the regulatory oversight necessary to address lead safety in homes and facilities frequented by children.