Housing and Community Development Act of 1992/Title X/Subtitle D

SUBTITLE D -- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PART 1 -- HUD RESEARCH

SEC. 1051. RESEARCH ON LEAD EXPOSURE FROM OTHER SOURCES.

The Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, shall conduct research on strategies to reduce the risk of lead exposure from other sources, including exterior soil and interior lead dust in carpets, furniture, and forced air ducts.

SEC. 1052. TESTING TECHNOLOGIES.

The Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, shall conduct research to -- (1) develop improved methods for evaluating lead-based paint hazards in housing; (2) develop improved methods for reducing lead-based paint hazards in housing; (3) develop improved methods for measuring lead in paint films, dust, and soil samples; (4) establish performance standards for various detection methods, including spot test kits; (5) establish performance standards for lead-based paint hazard reduction methods, including the use of encapsulants; (6) establish appropriate cleanup standards; (7) evaluate the efficacy of interim controls in various hazard situations; (8) evaluate the relative performance of various abatement techniques; (9) evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of interim control and abatement strategies; and (10) assess the effectiveness of hazard evaluation and reduction activities funded by this Act.

SEC. 1053. AUTHORIZATION.

Of the total amount approved in appropriation Acts under section 1011(o), there shall set aside to carry out this part $ 5,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, and $ 5,000,000 for fiscal year 1994.

PART 2 -- GAO REPORT

SEC. 1056. FEDERAL IMPLEMENTATION AND INSURANCE STUDY.

(a) Federal Implementation Study. The Comptroller General of the United States shall assess the effectiveness of Federal enforcement and compliance with lead safety laws and regulations, including any changes needed in annual inspection procedures to identify lead-based paint hazards in units receiving assistance under subsections (b) and (o) of section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.

(b) Insurance Study. The Comptroller General of the United States shall assess the availability of liability insurance for owners of residential housing that contains lead-based paint and persons engaged in lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction activities. In carrying out the assessment, the Comptroller General shall -- (1) analyze any precedents in the insurance industry for the containment and abatement of environmental hazards, such as asbestos, in federally assisted housing; (2) provide an assessment of the recent insurance experience in the public housing lead hazard identification and reduction program; and (3) recommend measures for increasing the availability of liability insurance to owners and contractors engaged in federally supported work.