Although lead paint has not been used in homes since 1978, prior to it being banned, it was used on more than 38 million homes and buildings. Federal law now requires that specific practices are followed when any contractors are working in homes or other buildings that were built before 1978 to avoid lead contamination. Lead contamination is spread by lead paint chips and dust can be a serious health hazard, especially to young children and even can pose a health hazard to babies before they’re born. The greatest health hazard is posed by the dust since it is so easily inhaled and it can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and decreased cognitive development. If you suspect lead paint was used on your home, contact AAIT to test the paint on your property. Our technicians are lead paint test experts and can ensure that your family is safe from the hazards caused by lead contamination.

Lead Paint… So what’s the big deal?

• Invisible lead dust is just as hazardous as paint chips.
• This dust can be created by friction – the opening of windows or the rubbing of a tight door.
• Most children are poisoned by ingesting household dust that contains lead.
• Many children are poisoned during home renovation work that generate lead dust.

Facts About Lead

• FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.
• FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.
• FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.
• FACT: You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.
• FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.
• FACT: Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Lead is also harmful to adults.
• FACT: Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. People can also get lead in their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often invisible.
• FACT: Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
• FACT: Projects that disturb lead-based paint can create dust and endanger you and your family. Don’t let this happen to you. Follow the practices described in this pamphlet to protect you and your family.

Are you renovating, repairing or painting a home, child care facility or school built before 1978?

Beginning April 22, 2010, federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Are you planning to buy or rent a home built before 1978?

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains 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 or buying a pre-1978 housing:

LANDLORDS must 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 must 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 ten days to check for lead hazards.

Percentage of Homes Likely to Contain Lead

• 24% – Between 1960 – 1978
• 69% – Between 1940 – 1960
• 87% – Before 1940

Where Does the Lead Come From?

Dust is the main problem. The most common way to get lead in the body is from dust. Lead dust comes from deteriorating lead-based paint and lead-contaminated soil that gets tracked into your home. This dust may accumulate to unsafe levels. Then, normal hand to-mouth activities, like playing and eating (especially in young children), move that dust from surfaces like floors and windowsills into the body.

Home renovation creates dust. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips.

Proper work practices protect you from the dust. The key to protecting yourself and your family during a renovation, repair or painting job is to use lead-safe work practices such as containing dust inside the work area, using dust-minimizing work methods, and conducting a careful cleanup, as described in this pamphlet.