US debuts childhood-lead plan that critics say falls short

WASHINGTON (AP) " The Trump administration has released a plan to reduce dangerous lead exposure for millions of American children, but it is already drawing criticism.

The acting head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Andrew Wheeler, calls the plan a "roadmap to reduce lead exposure nationwide." He and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson announced the plan Wednesday.

But Tom Neltner of the Environmental Defense Fund says the plan fails to set any new deadlines or requirements. Neltner is a member of a federal advisory committee on children's health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children in at least 4 million American households are exposed to high levels of lead. This can cause devastating brain damage and other harm.