More About Lead-Based Paint
The previous page describes the new lead-based paint disclosure rules and regulations that were recently released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). But how do you determine whether or not there is a hazard present in your home associated with lead?
Just knowing that a home has lead-based paint may not tell you if there is a hazard. You can get your home checked for lead hazards in one of two ways, or both. First, a lead inspection will tell you the lead content of every painted surface in your home. What it doesn't tell you is whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal with it. The second method, a risk assessment, tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure, such as peeling paint and lead dust. It also tells you what actions to take to address these hazards.
Be sure to have qualified professionals do these types of inspections and assessments. These professionals use a range of methods when checking your home, including: visual inspection of paint condition and location; lab tests of paint samples; surface dust tests; and portable fluorescence x-ray machines. Home test kits for lead are available, but the federal government is still testing their reliability. These home tests should not be the only method used before doing renovations or to assure safety.
A brochure titled, Reducing Lead Hazards When
Remodeling Your Home, is available through the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at
800-424-LEAD (5323). It explains what to do before, during and after renovations to keep
the lead hazard at a minimum.
To permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a lead
abatement contractor. Abatement methods include removing, sealing or enclosing lead-based
paint with special materials. Always hire a person with special training for correcting
lead problems, or make sure they are certified in lead abatement.
The abatement of lead-based paint by anyone other than a trained professional can be
hazardous. Before taking on such a project, contact the NLIC. The Center can provide you
with practical, low-cost tips on how to prevent lead poisoning. In addition to the
remodeling brochure, the Center can also provide you with a pamphlet titled,
Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.
This pamphlet provides a wealth of information as well as
telephone numbers of several state and national agencies that can help you identify
certified inspectors or risk assessors in the area.