Lead Based Paint Disclosure

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.

By 1996, federal law will require that individuals receive centain information before renting, buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing:

LANDLORDS will have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases will include a federal form about lead-based paint.

SELLERS will have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts will include a federal form about lead-based paint in the building. Buyers will have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards.

RENOVATORS will have to give you this pamphlet before starting work.

FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children
      and babies even before they are born.

FACT: Even children that seem healthy can
      have high levels of lead in their bodies.

FACT: People can get lead in their bodies by
      breathing or swallowing lead dust, or
      by eating soil or paint chips with lead
      in them.

FACT: People have many options for reducing
      lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based
      paint that is in good condition
      is not a hazard.

FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly
      can increase the danger to your family.          

1 out of
every 11
children in
the United
States has
dangerous
levels of lead
in the blood-
stream.
                   

Even children
who appear
healthy can
have dangerous
levels of lead.
                   

People can get lead in their body if they:

Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.

Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead.

Breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces).

Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because:

Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths.

These objects can have lead dust on them.

If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity)
• Slowed growth
• Hearing problems
• Headaches

Get your
children
tested if you
think your
home has
high levels
of lead.
                   

A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Blood tests are important for:

Children who are 6 months to 1 year old (6 months if you live in an older home with cracking or peeling paint).

Family members that you think might have high levels of lead.

If your child is older than 1 year, talk to your doctor about whether your child needs testing.

In generaL
the older
your home,
the more
likely it has
lead-based
paint
                   

Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier. Lead can be found:

In homes in the city, country, or suburbs.

In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing.

Inside and outside of the house.

Lead from
paint chips,
which you
can see, and
lead dust,
which you
can't always
see, can both
be serious
hazards
                   

Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard.

Peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs immediate attention.

Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These areas include:

• Windows and window sills.
• Doors and door frames.
• Stairs, railings, and banisters.
• Porches and fences.

Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can reenter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through it.

Just knowing
that a home
has lead-
based paint
may not tell
you if there
is a hazard                  

You can get your home checked for lead hazards in one of two ways, or both:

A paint inspection tells you the lead content of every painted surface in your home. it won't tell you whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal with it.

A risk assessment tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure (such as peeling paint and lead dust). It also tells you what actions to take to address these hazards.

Have qualified professionals do the work. The federal government is writing standards for inspectors and risk assessors. Some states might already have standards in place. Call your state agency for help with locating qualified professionals in your area.

Trained professionals use a range of methods when checking your home, including:

Visual inspection of paint condition and location.
Lab tests of paint samples.
Surface dust tests.
A portable x-ray fluorescence machine.

Removing
lead
improperly
can Increase
the hazard to
your family
by spreading
even more
lead dust
around the
house.
                   

Always use a
professional who
is trained to
remove lead
hazards safely.
                   

In addition to day-to-day cleaning and good nutrition:

You can temporarily reduce lead hazards by taking actions such as repairing damaged painted surfaces and planting grass to cover soil with high lead levels. These actions (called "interim controls") are not permanent solutions and will need ongoing attention.

To permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a lead "abatement" contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is not enough.

Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems-someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. If possible, hire a certified lead abatement contractor. Certified contractors will employ qualified workers and follow strict safety mles as set by their state or by the federal government.

If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air.

Take precautions before you begin remodeling or renovations that disturb painted surfaces (such as scraping off paint or tearing out walls):

Have the area tested for lead-based paint.

Do not use a dry scraper, belt-sander, propane torch, or heat gun to remove lead-based paint. These actions create large amounts of lead dust and fumes. Lead dust can remain in your home long after the work is done.

Temporarily move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can't move your family, at least completely seal off the work area.

Follow other safety measures to reduce lead hazards. You can find out about other safety measures by calling 1-800-424-LEAD. Ask for the brochure Reducing Lead Hazards when Remodeling Your Home." This brochure explains what to do before, during, and after renovations.

While paint, dust,
and soil are the
most common
lead hazards,
other lead
sources also exist                  

Drlnklng water. Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your plumbing might have lead in it:

Use only cold water for drinking and cooking.

Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially If you have not used your water for a few hours.

The job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your clothes separately from the rest of your family's.

Old painted toys and furniture.

Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain.

Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air.

Call 1-800-LEAD-FYI to learn how to protect children from lead poisoning. For other information on lead hazards, call the center's clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD. For the hearing impaired, call, TDD 1-800-526-5456 (FAX: 202-659-1192, Internet: EHC@CAIS.COM).

EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline

Call 1-800-426-4791 for information about lead in drinking water.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Hotline