An Evaluation of the City of Rochester’s Lead Law: Year One Report

Publication Date: December 2007

Publisher: Center for Governmental Research Inc.

Author(s): Rochelle Ruffer; Sarah Boyce

Research Area: Environment; Health

Keywords: Health; Human Services; Government Management

Type: Report

Coverage: New York

Abstract:

CGR was awarded a grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation to conduct a two-year study of the impact of the Rochester NY “Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention” law, which took effect in July 2006. Rochester is the first U.S. city with an ordinance requiring “dust wipes” in high risk urban areas even if a property passes a visual inspection for lead problems.

In the first year of implementation, the study finds the law is responsible for 1,388 housing units being made lead safe, including 430 that passed visual tests but failed dust wipes; it is too early to tell if the law is helping to reduce children’s blood lead levels but initial signs are encouraging; and costs for compliance by landlords are lower than expected.