Be Lead-Safe

Chances are if you currently live in or plan to purchase a home built prior to 1978, you could find evidence of potentially harmful lead-based paint. The older the home, the more likely lead-based paint was used. If you suspect you live in a home with lead-based paint the following information will help you learn more about the hazards and how to protect your family.

Lead poisoning is a significant environmental health threat in the United States. Lead can enter the body by breathing or ingesting lead dust, paint chips, or soil containing lead. Lead is harmful to both children and adults but poses a greater risk to children. Children tend to put their hands and objects in their mouths, increasing their risk of exposure. Children's growing bodies absorb more lead and are more sensitive to the damaging effects. Left undetected, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, resulting in a multitude of health and development problems. Adults with lead poisoning can experience reproductive problems, high blood pressure and hypertension, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain.

Lead-based paint that is peeling, chipped, or cracked is a hazard and requires immediate attention. Generally, lead-based paint in good condition is usually not a hazard. Keep in mind window sills, door frames, and stair banisters that are used frequently and that children can chew or put their mouths on can be a hazard. Common renovation projects such as sanding, scraping, cutting, and demolition can disturb lead-based paint, releasing hazardous particles inside the home. Soil, which can be tracked inside the home or ingested by children playing in the yard can contain lead from exterior painting and renovation projects.

To protect against this risk, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule on April 22, 2008. The rule requires contractors use lead-safe practices when performing repairs or renovations that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, schools, and child care facilities. This includes but is not limited to remodels, repairs, maintenance, painting, electrical work, plumbing, and window replacement. Under these circumstances, the rule requires contractors be certified by the EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers. These requirements became fully effective April 22, 2010. Minor activities that disrupt 6 square feet or less of paint per interior room or 20 square feet or less of painted surfaces for exterior projects are excluded. However, compliance is required for even minor activities involving window replacement or demolition of painted surface areas. Always ask your contractor to provide proof of certification and to clearly explain the details of the job and procedures used to minimize lead hazards. You can also verify that a contractor is certified by visiting the EPA's website epa.gov/getleadsafe.

The Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule applies to renovations performed for compensation, such as by a general or specialty contractor. Landlords and property management companies receiving rent or salaries derived from rent payments are considered compensated and must also comply. If you are planning a 'do-it-yourself' renovation, repair, or painting project the rule is not enforced. However, you are ultimately responsible for the safety of your family. If you are planning a 'do-it-yourself' project in a pre-1978 home, you are strongly encouraged to read the pamphlet "Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools." This will help educate you on the risks involved but you will need more information to complete the work safely. Contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) for more information on working safely in a home with lead-based paint.

Contractors who want more information on lead-safe practices and resources for training and certification can call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or review the Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right. Violators of the rule can be subject to fines up to $37,500 per violation, per day.