Lead-Based Paint

THE BIG DEAL ABOUT LEAD-BASED PAINT:

HUD published new regulations titled Requirements for Notification, Evaluation and Reduction of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Federally-Owned Residential Property and Housing Receiving Federal Assistance in 2000. This regulation, which applies to federally-assisted housing built prior to 1978 that is occupied or will be occupied by young children, is intended to help protect children from lead poisoning by reducing LBP hazards in housing. The rule mandates disclosure of known LBP, notification to tenants of the hazards of LBP, inspection and clearance procedures and the use of lead-safe techniques when treating deteriorated paint.

** The entire Lead-Based Paint regulation can be found at www.hud.gov/lea. **

About Lead-Based Paint:

Lead-based paint and dust pose a particular hazard to young children. In fact, the Center for Disease Control stated that lead poisoning is the most common environmental disease of young children. Lead is highly toxic and affects a child's developing brain and nervous system, causing reduction in IQ and attention span, reading and learning disabilities, hyperactivity and behavioral problems. At high levels of exposure, lead poisoning can cause coma, convulsions and death. Although adults can suffer from excessive lead exposure, fetuses, infants and children under the age of 6 are most at risk due to their developing immune systems.

Lead-based paint in housing is the major remaining source of exposure to lead and is responsible for most cases of childhood lead poisoning today. Higher childhood blood lead levels are associated with residing in large urban areas and living in older homes. This is the reason HUD emphasizes the removal of LBP hazards in housing assisted under the Section 8 tenant-based program.

Disclosure and Notification Requirements:

HUD regulations require all property owners to disclose all LBP information about their property to tenants by completing a Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazards form. Property owners are also required to provide all tenants with a copy of Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.

More Information/Assistance:

To assist owners in complying with LBP regulations, there are several FREE programs offered in the Western New York area. These programs can include training, funding, materials or certified contractors to complete the repairs.

LeadSafe Erie County Program (716) 961-6800

Family Environmental Health Resources (716) 833-2929 Ext. 117

New Regulation:

Beginning in April 2010, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Until that time, EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices. The contractor should follow these three simple procedures:

· Contain the work area

· Minimize dust

· Clean up thoroughly

To learn more:

· Visit EPA's renovation, repair and painting web page

· Read the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (79 pp, 847K)

· Read the fact sheet on renovation En Español