West Virginia Code Chapter 16. Public Health § 16-35-2. Legislative findings

(1) Lead is a toxic substance and harmful to the citizens of this state;

(2) Lead poisoning is a devastating health hazard, particularly to young children, and results in serious long-term health effects;

(3) Children exposed to even low levels of lead exhibit learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, deafness or hearing difficulties, and neurological damage;

(4) Workers and others who come into contact with lead when removing or remediating lead-based materials are also at risk of lead poisoning;

(5) Exposure occurs from contact with materials containing lead, including, but not limited to, lead-based paint chips, lead dust, and lead-contaminated soil;

(6) The most significant source of exposure is lead-based paint, particularly in houses built prior to one thousand nine hundred seventy-eight;

(7) The danger posed by lead-based paint hazards can be controlled by abatement or interim controls that limit exposure to lead-based paint hazards; and

(8) The public health and safety of this state will be better protected when all persons who handle lead-contaminated substances are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable regarding safe methods of handling and disposing of such materials.