What is Lead?
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are growing quickly.
Research suggests that the primary sources of lead exposure for most children are:
– deteriorating lead-based paint,
– lead contaminated dust, and
– lead contaminated residential soil.
Remodeling or Renovating a Home with Lead-Based Paint
If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust Lead and Lead Testing into the air.
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.
Federal law requires that contractors provide lead information to residents before renovating a pre-1978 housing:
– Pre-Renovation Education Program (PRE)
– RENOVATORS have to give you a pamphlet titled “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”, before starting work.
Take precautions before your contractor or 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 belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper 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 in the EPA brochure titled “Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home”. This brochure explains what to do before, during, and
after renovations.
If you have already completed renovations or remodeling that could have released lead-based paint or dust, get your young children tested and follow the steps outlined to protect your family.
Are You Planning to Buy or Rent a Home Built Before 1978?
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. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting or buying a pre-1978 housing:
Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Program
LANDLORDS have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint.
SELLERS have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards.
Alpha Check Inspections does not perform lead paint inspections. If necessary we recommend you hire a certified lead inspector.