Which federal agency oversees lead-safe practices for housing?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing lead-safe practices in housing. This includes the implementation of regulations and guidelines aimed at reducing lead exposure, particularly in residential environments where lead-based paint and other lead hazards may be present. The EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule is a key regulation that requires certain practices to be followed during renovation activities in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paints were banned for residential use.

The agency ensures that contractors and homeowners follow proper lead-safe work practices to protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The EPA works to educate the public about lead safety and conducts research to understand the risks associated with lead exposure, reinforcing its central role in lead safety in housing.

While other options discuss agencies with relevant roles regarding lead exposure or housing, they do not have the same level of authority and focus on lead-safe practices specifically in the context of housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development primarily addresses housing and urban development issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides health-related guidance and research but does not directly regulate housing practices. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration focuses on workplace safety rather than residential lead issues.