What is lead-based paint? And why do I need to know about it when I buy a home?  It’s really simple but scary all at the same time.  It is paint with lead in it, just that simple.  The purpose was to increase drying time, improve the durability of the paint, and resist moisture.  The lead is hazardous to the environment and is harmful to humans.  Thankfully in the US and some other countries, lead-based paint has been banned in household paints since 1978. In the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead paint in residential properties and public places, along with toys and furniture that may contain lead paint.

In 1996, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a regulation called Lead-Based Paint Disclosure that requires owners of dwellings built prior to 1978 to disclose to potential renters or buyers all known information about the presence of lead-based paint.  It requires that buyers or tenants be given the pamphlet “Protect Your Family from Lead in your Home,” or other EPA-approved information as well as a disclosure statement.  

In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required that all renovators be certified to work with lead paint in homes built prior to 1978.  The certification trains the renovators to remove the lead paint in a safe manner that does not adversely disturb the paint where the particulates be be disbursed in the air.  

What does all this mean when buying (or renting a home)? This is an issue if the home is built before 1978.  If the home you love was built prior to that, the current owner will need to disclose to you their knowledge of whether they know that lead paint exists or has existed in the home.  More often than not, the owner is unaware of lead paint presence.  It is up to you, the buyer, to determine if the matter is concerning enough that it requires that the paint be tested for lead.  This testing can be performed prior to moving in and is generally very easy and inexpensive to perform.  Make note, however, that if a home was built prior to 1978 AND has been renovated since the presence lead paint is minimal BUT it is important to know that the renovator was certified in lead paint removal.  Please ask the owner for the renovator’s information.

Attached here is the brochure from the EPA “Protecting Your Family from Lead in Your Home”.  https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-02/documents/lead_in_your_home_brochure_land_b_w_508_easy_print_0.pdf

Additionally, your Realtor is a great resource about purchasing or renting a home built prior to 1978.  Please give them a call to answer additional questions you may have.