The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the State Attorney General (AG), office of the lead advocate has a longstanding partnership to bring the most difficult lead poisoning cases into compliance with the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (RIGL 23-24.6).
Owners of properties with children poisoned from exposure to lead hazards are referred to the AG thirty (30) days after a Second Notice of Violation from RIDOH is issued. The AG has the power to investigate any alleged failures to comply with the lead hazard reduction, to initiate either a civil or criminal case of action, or both, to compel evidence via injunctive relief and/or impose penalties and fines.
The success of this partnership is evident in the progress made with outstanding lead cases:
- Since January 1, 2019: 65 lead cases were referred to the AG and 26 of these cases (40%) have had all lead hazards abated and are now considered lead safe for children under 6 years of age.