At a glance
The Lead Exposure and Prevention Advisory Committee (LEPAC) reviews research and Federal programs and services related to lead poisoning and identifies effective services and best practices for addressing and preventing lead exposure in communities.
Overview
The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016 authorized the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a new advisory committee.
The Lead Exposure and Prevention Advisory Committee (LEPAC) charter was approved on January 19, 2018. The charter was renewed on January 10, 2020. A Federal Register Notice announcing the establishment of the LEPAC was published on February 13, 2018.
LEPAC is charged with:
- Reviewing federal programs and services available to lead-exposed individuals and communities
- Reviewing current research on lead poisoning to identify additional research needs;Reviewing and identifying best practices, or the need for best practices, regarding lead screening and prevention of lead poisoning
- Identifying effective services for individuals and communities affected by lead exposure
LEPAC consists of 15 Federal and non-Federal experts in the fields of epidemiology, toxicology, mental health, pediatrics, early childhood education, special education, diet and nutrition, and environmental health. Half of the committee (8 people) consists of Federal representatives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) solicited federal members from HHS, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and U.S. Geological Survey.
Meetings shall be open to the public except as determined otherwise by the Secretary, HHS, or other official to whom the authority has been delegated, in accordance with the Government in the Sunshine Act (5 U.S.C. 552b(c)) and Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act; notice of all meetings shall be given to the public.