A Guide to Lead–Based Paint in the Home
Also see:Below is a reprint of the EPA publication: "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" containing information on lead hazards in the home. Included are United States federal regulations and contact information for regional EPA offices as well as other government agencies in your area. For help with repainting and renovating in homes with lead–based paint, see the EPA publication "Keep it Clean: An Insider's Guide to Lead–Safe Painting and Home Improvement".
Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains high levels of 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, buying or renovating pre–1978 housing:
- 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.
- Renovators have to give you this pamphlet before starting work.
- If you want more information on these requirements, call the National Lead Information Center at 1–800–424–LEAD (424–5323).
How Lead Enters the Body
People can get lead in their body if they:
- Breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.
- Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.
- Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead.
Lead is more dangerous for children than adults because children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Also, children's growing bodies absorb more lead than adults. Because babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths, any lead dust present will end up in their bodies.
Leads' Effects on the Body
If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity)
- Slowed Growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
Lead is also harmful to adults and they can suffer from:
- Difficulties during pregnancy
- Other reproductive problems in both men and women
- High blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
Where Lead–Based Paint is Found
In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead–based paint. Many homes built before 1978 have lead paint. That year the U.S. federal government banned lead–based paint from housing. Some states stopped its use even earlier. Lead can be found:
- In homes in the city, country, or suburbs.
- In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing.
- Inside and outside of the house.
- In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.)
Checking Your Family for Lead
Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. To reduce your children's exposure to lead, get them checked, have your home tested (especially if your home has paint in poor condtion and was built before 1978) and fix any hazards you may have. Children's blood lead levels tend to increase rapidly from 6 to 12 months of age and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months.
Consult your doctor for advice on testing your children. a simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Blood tests are usually recommended for: children at ages 1 and 2, children or other family members who have been exposed to high levels of lead or children who should be tested under your state or local health screening plan. Your doctor can explain what the test results mean and if more testing will be needed.
