The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in July a proposal to strengthen requirements for the removal of lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 buildings and child care facilities, known as abatement activities, to better protect children and communities from the harmful effects of exposure to dust generated from lead paint., , , , If finalized, the new rule is estimated to reduce the lead exposures of approximately 250,000 to 500,000 children nationwide under age six each year.