A Washington D.C. landlord recently plead guilty to obstructing justice and making false statements to Federal officials during an investigation of lead based paint in his low income housing properties. David Nuyen's plea will result in a two-year Federal prison term. He admitted violating the Federal Lead Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 by failing to warn residents of the presence of, and dangers posed by, lead paint in his buildings.

Nuyen must hire a contractor to assess the lead paint hazards in his buildings and develop a plan to remove the toxic substance. He must also provide residents with detailed notices regarding the health hazards of lead exposure.

Nuyen owns and manages 15 properties in the Washington D.C. area.

Lead poses a serious danger to children, affecting development of bone marrow, kidneys and the central nervous system. In severe exposure cases, lead can cause coma and death.