Lead-Based Paint

Experts have determined that leaden dust, paint chips or lead in soil can be harmful when inhaled or ingested. Babies, children under the age of six, and pregnant women are especially susceptible. Babies and young children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from behavioral problems, learning difficulties or other serious health disorders unless they receive early treatment.

In recent years, the use of lead has been greatly reduced or eliminated in gasoline, imported plastic Venetian blinds, solder used in water pipes, and in paint. However, the majority of the nation's homes built prior to 1978 still contain lead-based paint.

Thanks to a new law effective December 1996, when you purchase or lease pre-1978 housing, you'll be informed about the dangers of lead poisoning. Sellers, real estate agents and landlords are required to disclose, in writing, any known presence of lead-based paint in housing built prior to 1978. Buyers have ten days to have the property checked for the presence of lead-based paint.

Buyers and tenants must be given the EPA pamphlet, "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home." This pamphlet outlines the hazards of exposure to lead-based paint and explains methods of testing the lead content in paint. It also gives suggestions on how to reduce the dangers of lead-based paint.

Because significant amounts of lead dust can be released into the air when lead-based painted surfaces are disturbed, professional renovators are also required to give this pamphlet to owners who plan to remodel pre-1978 housing.