One source of exposure to lead is the lead-based paint that was often used in
homes that were built prior to 1978, when the Federal Government banned lead
paint in residential structures. Federal regulations require that home sellers
provide lead disclosures to home buyers who are purchasing a home built before
that year.
Lead Can Affect Health
Disclosures are required because lead is a
potential health risk. Depending on the level of exposure, lead can cause damage
to the brain and nervous system, behavior problems, slowed growth, headaches,
difficulties during pregnancy, high blood pressure, digestive problems and
muscle and joint pain.
Lead can affect everyone in the family, but children are often at highest
risk, especially small children who don't hesitate to put things in their
mouths--like paint chips that could contain lead.
Lead Paint Disclosures
Sellers must disclose in writing any information about known lead paint in
the home. If sellers have performed lead tests, they must share the test
results.
Sales contracts must give buyers up to 10 days to check for lead hazards.
Home buyers aren't required to test for lead--but they must be given the
opportunity to do so. You might see this information on a special addendum
attached to the contract.
Similar lead disclosure regulations apply to the relationship between
landlords and tenants of buildings built before 1978.
Stay Alert for Potential Problems
Lead paint that is intact--with no cracking, chipping or wear--is considered
unlikely to pose health risks, but if your home might contain lead paints, watch
for:
Peeling, chipping, or cracking paints.
Areas susceptible to wear and tear that causes cracking or exposure to
underlying layers of paints on stair railings, banisters, window sills, door
frames, porches and fences.
Lead dust that results when paint is sanded or dry scraped.
Lead in the soil surrounding your home, caused by flaking lead paints on its
exterior, since it's a risk to children playing outdoors and in a prime spot to
be tracked inside on shoes.
Other Sources of Lead
Lead paint isn't the only potential source of lead
in your home.
Lead is sometimes found in drinking water when plumbing contains lead or
lead solder. You should test the water for lead, since it cannot be detected by
taste or smell.
Old painted toys or furniture.
Industries that release lead into the air.
Hobbies that use items containing lead, such as stained glass work, pottery
and furniture refinishing.
Be sure to follow the EPA's
guidelines if you plan to remodel or renovate a home built prior to
1978.
Visit the EPA's
Web site for in-depth information about identifying lead hazards in the
environment and in your home.
This Information is offered by:
Although we believe that
this information is accurate as it is compiled from professional sources,
please verify this information on your own before relying on it as your only
source of knowledge to base any decisions on.
