Section 30:2351 - Findings and purposeA. The legislature finds that lead poisoning is a significant health hazard to the citizens of the state. Lead poisoning particularly is a hazard to children, who typically are exposed to lead through environmental sources such as lead-based paint in housing and lead-contaminated dust and soil. It is the policy of the state to protect the health and welfare of its citizens through reduction of lead in the environment.B. The legislature further finds that improper abatement of lead hazards within the state constitutes a serious threat to the public health and safety and to the environment.C. The legislature further finds that the handling of lead-containing substances by inadequately trained employers, employees, and other persons subjects the citizens of the state to the risk of further release of lead into the environment.D. The legislature therefore finds that the public health and safety, as well as the environmental concerns of the state, best will be protected when all employers and employees who handle lead-containing substances are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable with regard to safe methods of handling and disposing of such materials.E. The legislature further finds that it is the policy of this state to encourage public awareness of the hazards associated with lead in the environment and to increase public awareness of state and federal regulations designed to correct hazardous conditions caused by lead.F. The legislature further finds that the health and safety of the citizens of this state are promoted by encouraging citizens and employees engaged in lead-abatement activities to notify appropriate state authorities of any violations of laws, regulations, guidelines, or generally accepted procedures relating to safe handling of lead-containing substances.G. The legislature therefore finds that it is the policy of this state to facilitate the confidential reporting to the government of hazards involving improper handling of lead-containing substances, and further to protect from reprisals those employees who report such hazards to state officials.