Question

answer the following constructed response question:
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT INCREASES ENFORCEMENT OF LEAD PAINT REMOVAL IN APARTMENT
BUILDINGS


In 3 sentences in a 7th graders response, Is the action in the headline an appropriate role for the state government? Explain why or why not.
In 3 sentences in a 7th graders response,Should the state government provide funding for the owners of apartment buildings to remove the lead? Explain why or why not.
In 3 sentences in a 7th graders response,Use details and examples to support your answer.

Answer 1

Yes. This is an appropriate role for the state government because protecting people’s health and safety is one of its jobs. Lead paint is dangerous, especially for children, and the state can make rules and enforce them so landlords fix problems. Without the state stepping in, some landlords might ignore the danger.

Yes. The state should help pay to remove lead from apartment buildings because many owners, especially small landlords, might not have enough money to do it. If the state offers grants or low-interest loans, apartments would get fixed faster and families would be safer. Helping now also saves money later because treating sick kids and fixing long-term damage costs a lot.

For example, many older apartments built before 1978 still have lead paint that can peel or make dust, and little kids can swallow paint chips or breathe the dust. Lead poisoning can cause learning problems, behavior issues, and long-term brain damage, so fixing the paint is very important. If the state pays some of the cost, landlords could hire professionals to remove the lead safely and families wouldn’t have to move or wait years for repairs.