More D.C. Landlords Sued Over Lead Paint

The District's attorney general finished filing a dozen cases yesterday against city landlords and property owners, trying to force them to get rid of lead paint in their buildings.

Their names and addresses were brought to her attention after doctors ran blood tests on children younger than 8, all of whom lived in or frequently visited the homes and apartments scattered across the city, and found they had elevated levels of lead.

After city risk assessors tested the properties, owners were ordered to clean up lead-paint hazards. Suits were filed against those who did not take appropriate steps, Attorney General Linda Singer said.

"Lead poisoning is a totally preventable problem, but once it happens, children face its effects for the rest of their lives in terms of their health and development," Singer said at a news conference at Judiciary Square.

Lead poisoning often goes unrecognized because there are no obvious symptoms. Children younger than 6 are especially susceptible because their brains and central nervous systems are developing. Lead poisoning in children can cause IQ deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention spans, hyperactivity and other behavioral issues, Singer said.

Singer's office began filing the suits in June. Since then, she said, two property owners have gotten rid of the lead-paint hazard. She is considering filing cases against the owners of 20 more properties.

"Through these suits, we also are sending a clear message to other landlords to clean up their housing," Singer said, "and a clear message to parents that they should be aware of these risks and have their children tested."

In fiscal 2006, 297 D.C. children younger than 6 were found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood. That number is down from 2004, when 352 children had elevated levels, and from 2003, when 336 children tested positive for elevated levels. In 2002, that number was 643. In 2001, it was 510, and in 2000, it was 768.

Singer came to the attorney general's office from Appleseed, a nonprofit organization dedicated to social causes. She also has campaigned to set limits on high-interest payday loans.

Joining her at the news conference were officials from the District's departments of heath, consumer and regulatory affairs; environment; and housing and community development.

Lead-based paint was outlawed in 1978, but there can be chipping or peeling lead paint or excessive amounts of lead-contaminated dust in older homes. Low-income children are more likely to live in homes where lead paint remains.

D.C. law requires that buildings occupied or visited regularly by children younger than 8 be free of lead hazards, including dust, soil or deteriorating paint.

The Department of Housing and Community Development can help qualified property owners with lead-based paint abatement through its Lead Safe Washington program.