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.
For more information on lead-based paint, click on the
following:
Do you have questions on
Lead Based Paint?
Return to RT Real Estate
Environmental Issues Web Page
Return to RT Home Page
