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Important Things to Know About Lead
Health problems from exposure to lead include profound developmental and neurological impairment in children. Lead poisoning has been linked to mental retardation, poor academic performance and juvenile delinquency. Nearly one million children in America today have dangerously elevated levels of lead in their blood. Because of the potential dangers, any exposure to deteriorated lead-based paint is considered a hazard.
EPA has issued new standards to identify dangerous levels of lead in paint, dust and soil. These standards are more protective than previous guidance and will apply to Federal lead provisions such as EPA’s real estate disclosure requirements presently in place for people selling or renting a home or apartment. The standards will serve as general guidance for those engaged in toxic cleanups and will also provide landlords, parents, and childcare providers with specific levels on which to make informed decisions regarding lead found in their homes, yards, or play areas.
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act
Recognizing that families have a right to know about lead-based paint and potential lead hazards in their homes, Congress directed EPA and HUD to develop disclosure requirements for sales and leases involving older housing. Under section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (also known as Title X), EPA and HUD published the Federal lead disclosure regulations on March 6, 1996. The regulation requires that prospective buyers and renters of dwellings built prior to 1978 receive a copy of the EPA pamphlet, “Protect Your Family From Lead in the Home", Spanish version from the seller, landlord or agent.
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A lead inspection tests every surface for lead-based paint, inside and outside the home. A lead inspection does not tell you if the paint is a hazard, it just tells you where it is. If you plan to renovate or do repairs, this is helpful information. It's a good idea to have an inspection before renovating older homes. The inspector uses an XRF device to measure the concentration of lead in paint on all painted interior and exterior surfaces.
A risk assessment identifies any lead hazards in the home. The risk assessment is really encouraged in older homes with small children. All homes built prior to 1978 contain some lead-based paint. The older the home, the higher concentration of lead in the paint on windows and doors, etc. The risk assessment will tell the owner if the presence of this paint is a hazard. A certified risk assessor takes dust and soil samples and sends them to an accredited laboratory. If lead hazards are found, the risk assessment report provides a recommendation on how to manage or remove the hazards.
It is important to remember, lead-based paint was not banned in U.S. residential paint until 1978, so all homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint on walls, windows and doors, etc. Older homes contain the highest concentrations of lead-based paint and present the greatest risk for young children.
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