Lead-based paint has become of
significant concern throughout the country because of elevated child blood
lead levels. Elevated level of blood lead has been found to cause slow
learning and impaired brain development in small children. Lead-based
paint can be found in structure painted (or built) before 1978.
Inspection of buildings containing lead-based
paint (LBP), under State and Federal Regulations must be completed by
licensed LBP inspectors. During the inspection, material condition is
noted, and in particular, "friction surfaces" are carefully
looked out. In many buildings, flaking paint on friction surfaces such as
wood window sashes and doors and window trim are a source of lead-based
paint, to which children are exposed. Window sills with dust or flaking
paint are a particular exposure area, because children frequently placed
wet fingers and hands on window sills at intervals, to be able to see
outside.
If lead-based paint abatement is needed, such work
should only completed by licensed contractors. All lead-based abatement
projects where elevated child blood lead levels have been found by a local
health department can only be completed by licensed ACM contractors; this
work is overseen by licensed ACM inspectors. Building owners are also
urged to be very cautious about renovations, as inadvertent contamination
can occur if renovation contractors spread lead dust, requiring costly and
time consuming clean up. Also, on premises where lead-based paint dust is
present, regular vacuums should not be used, as their use can
inadvertently grind up paint chips and spread lead dust, further
contaminating the premises. Only vacuums with HEPA filters, or wet mopping
techniques should be used in buildings where there is any lead-based which
is fair or poor condition.
Under Federal Rules, residential premises buyers
and tenants must be informed of lead-based paint hazards by the seller and
the landlord. Starting in June, 1999, new Federal EPA regulations will
also require tenants and owners to be informed of the hazards that can be
created by improper renovation, meaning that more and more renovation
work, particularly in older cities, will be required to be conducted by
licensed lead-based paint contractors, where renovations could cause
hazards to subsequent occupants of the premises.
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