New Section of NH Law Aims to Prevent Childhood Lead Exposure

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) is alerting Granite Staters about a change to New Hampshire’s lead law, RSA 130-A, that will go into effect on July 1, 2024. The change is expected to reduce the number of young children exposed to lead hazards in buildings constructed before 1978.  

New Hampshire Senate Bill 247 was enacted in 2018 and brought several changes to the state’s lead law, including the addition of RSA 130-A:5-d, which will go into effect in July. 

The rollout of this lead law change was included in this week’s DHHS Roadmap 2024-2025. To read the full Roadmap, please visit the DHHS website.

“Even low levels of lead in a child’s blood can impact their ability to think, learn, and concentrate,” said Dr. Jonathan Ballard, DHHS Chief Medical Officer. “Estimates suggest that more than 32,000 young children in New Hampshire live in older homes that may have lead paint, so it is critical that we continue working to prevent lead exposure.”

Under this new section of the law, New Hampshire properties that were built before 1978 and are newly converted into rental housing after July 1, 2024 must have a Lead-Safe Certificate issued by a licensed NH Risk Assessor. The new section of the law does not require existing rental properties or owner-occupied properties to have a Lead-Safe Certificate. 

Similarly, RSA 130-A:5-d will require all childcare facilities in buildings constructed before 1978 and newly licensed after July 1, 2024 to have a Lead-Safe Certificate issued by a licensed NH Risk Assessor. It does not require currently licensed childcare facilities to obtain a Lead-Safe Certificate.  

To obtain a Lead-Safe Certificate, properties must be free of lead exposure hazards, including lead-based paint that is peeling, chipping, flaking, on a friction or impact surface like windows or doors, or on a surface that children can chew.  

The DHHS Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is dedicated to reducing the impact of lead poisoning on young children through blood lead level monitoring, investigations, coordination of care, licensing of lead abatement professionals, and inspections. The program also educates parents and caregivers about blood lead testing, which all New Hampshire children should receive at age one and again at age two.

To learn more about RSA 130-A:5-d and view lists of licensed NH Risk Assessors, visit the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program webpage.