lead

The bill would require landlords to enroll in a program to replace the lead pipes they own through their water utility or be forced to pay for it themselves.

The company doing the work hopes to build a logistics and distribution warehouse where the West Calumet Housing Complex once stood. Residents worry Industrial Development Advantage, LLC could spread that pollution around the neighborhood and recontaminate yards.

Birds and other wildlife that eat game killed with lead shot can have issues flying and reproductive problems. People who rely on wild game for food can also suffer health issues. Lead is also found in some fishing tackle and was responsible for nearly half of all loon deaths from the early 80s to 2012.

The Environmental Protection Agency wants to significantly lower the amount of dust from lead paint in homes and child care centers across the U.S. That could have a big impact in Indiana where doctors have to offer lead screening for every child under 6.

The one exception would be child care run by a church which was amended out of the bill by Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil). Kids with lead poisoning can have trouble learning, behavioral issues and poor kidney function.

Six months ago, Indiana lowered the threshold for when children with lead in their blood can start to receive services -- cutting it in half from 10 micrograms per deciliter to 5. That means local health departments are doing more home visits, educating more parents and informing more doctors when a child has elevated lead levels.

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority will use nearly $5 million in federal funding for grants to mitigate lead paint and radon issues in more than 160 homes across the state.

How Indiana defines a disadvantaged community could exclude some Black and Brown neighborhoods disproportionately harmed by lead.

The state adopted an emergency rule last month to lower the threshold for when public health agencies have to address elevated blood lead levels in children -- and will consider making the change permanent.

Among other things, the bill would require those who maintain public housing to test for lead, notify residents if it was found, and help reduce their lead exposure through things like water filters.