In what year was the use of interior lead-based paint (LBP) mandated to be reduced?

The year when the use of interior lead-based paint (LBP) was mandated to be reduced is 1978. This significant regulatory action was a response to growing awareness of the hazards that lead exposure posed, particularly to children. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) jointly implemented regulations that prohibited the use of lead-based paint in residential properties constructed after this year.

This legislation aimed to protect public health, as lead exposure can lead to severe health issues such as developmental delays and cognitive impairments in children. The 1978 regulations also initiated broader efforts to address lead hazards in existing housing, leading to the creation of necessary guidelines for lead paint inspections, risk assessments, and remediation efforts. As such, 1978 marks a pivotal moment in the fight against lead poisoning, establishing critical practices to ensure safer living environments for future generations.