California Trial on Health Effects of Lead Paint Begins
A trial began Monday for a lawsuit filed by 10 California cities and counties seeking nearly $1 billion from paint manufacturers over the use of lead paint. Although banned in California for decades, lead paint remains in homes built before 1978. The plaintiffs argue that paint manufacturers sold the product despite being aware of its potential harmful health effects and want the paint removed from houses. The paint industry argues that it never deliberately sold harmful products and that the paint is no longer a significant public health risk.
- "Calif. Government Seeks $1B in Lead Paint Cleanup" (AP/Sacramento Bee, 7/15).