The spokesman, John H. Beckman, said that the school board had signed at least two contracts for lead abatement, with more to follow.

Poor parents should be given vouchers to cover the cost of lead abatement.

If previously applied paint does contain lead, have it removed by a professional who specializes in lead abatement.

The city has budgeted only $16 million for lead abatement this year.

New York does not require that contractors be licensed for lead abatement.

Mr. Strasburg said that the board ignored higher costs that landlords will probably incur for things like lead abatement and heating energy.

She said she hoped the mounting personal injury claims would get some action from the city on lead abatement.

As to whether lead abatement is covered by homeowners' insurance policies, it depends largely on whether the policy has a pollution exclusion.

Instead of mandating across-the-board lead abatement in these cases, the bill allows landlords, or experts they may hire, to decide whether intact paint should be removed.

The lead abatement is typically finished within three to four days.