"Rhode Island's Attorney General Whitehorse has announced that Rhode Island will sue the lead paint industry for its contribution to the epidemic of health problems caused by lead paint. The suit asserts that the paint industry was negligent because it marketed a harmful product; since it caused the problem, it should contribute to paying for it. We need a lead trust fund to provide for primary abatement upkeep and maintenance of housing. The attorney general's action can, if successful, help implement such a fund. Personal lead injury cases, which have a minimal public health impact, can be channeled to do so. Whenever personal injury cases are settled--either through negotiated settlement or full jurisprudence--a percentage of the settlement could be earmarked for a public lead trust fund. "

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