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Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Are they going to give notice when they sell dwellings at the Gun Club site?

It seems to me that consumers need to know the facts. That's fair and reasonable. Isn't it?

Big Question: Are they going to tell potential purchasers at the gun club site in writing:

[1] This home is built on part of a bloc of land that was polluted with lead.

[2] Lead is believed to be a severe human health risk, particularly to developing children. Studies suggest lead exposure may be a factor related to osteoporesis in adults, with the concern being greater for women. Resources on lead toxicity are online.

[3] We believe we cleaned it up before building.

[4] A state agency was satisfied with our cleanup effort before we were allowed to build housing here.

Is there anything wrong or false in these statements?

Is there any reason that consumers should NOT be told? Any good reason - not simply that it would be harder to move the inventory - that's a self-serving answer more than a public-serving one. Do you just call it "Sweet Bay Ridge" and sell it without written disclosure to unsuspecting consumers? Is that fair? Is that right?

There are express laws requiring disclosure regarding potential lead based paint exposure - so why not about possible ongoing soil contamination? Winds blow and dust rises. Airborne lead particulates form a major concern. A leading consumer information website on health impacts of lead notes:

The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. Families need to be informed about the various sources of lead and need to be vigilant in preventing exposure. The National Safety Council is pleased to provide the following materials that we hope readers will use as resources to prevent lead poisoning.

[...]

Lead dust causes more lead poisonings than any other lead exposure. It is hard to see, because lead dust particles are of microscopic size. Millions of US homes built before 1978 contain lead dust. The dust test kits are easy to use and provide consumers with an inexpensive way to find out if they have a lead dust problem. Kits include instructions, tools to take two dust samples, and a postage-paid mailer to send samples to an EPA-certified lab for analysis.

That site even has a linked downloadable form for ordering a $30 lead dust test kit. If vigilence helps, and being informed leads to heightened vigilence, it seems to me that a responsible city government would require proper notice. You be the judge. What do you think?

Does lead in soil prevent crabgrass from prospering?