Pre-’78 housing requires lead disclosure

Question: When I signed my lease recently, I was handed a brochure about lead and asked to sign a receipt. What’s this all about?

Answer: Your landlord was complying with a federal law requiring that lead information be given to anyone purchasing, renting or renovating housing that was built before 1978. Why 1978? That was the year the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in housing. Since lead paint was widely used for many years, the older the property the higher the lead paint potential. Years of accumulated paint, stretching back before the law took effect, often lurks in layers below the surface.

Landlords are specifically required “to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect.” Lease signing now includes a form on which landlords must indicate whether they have any knowledge of lead-based paint in the rental. The law does not require rental property owners or sellers to have the property inspected or tested for lead, nor does it require them to remove lead-based paint. For buyers, the law allows 10 days to conduct lead testing if they desire, at their own expense. The buyer’s time limit can be extended if mutually agreeable.

The Environmental Protection Agency publishes the helpful brochure titled “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.” The 16-page brochure is full of lead information everyone should know. It details how lead can enter the body from various sources, including during renovations that stir up lead. Paint chips, lead dust and lead deposits can lead to lead poisoning in the body either by breathing or swallowing the lead.

Lead exposure is particularly dangerous to children, since their bodies are growing rapidly and absorb more lead than adults. Young nervous systems are also more delicate and vulnerable. As a result, one out of every 11 children in the United States has dangerous levels of lead in the bloodstream, according to the brochure.

Children, especially young children, tend to put their hands in their mouths and often don’t wash their hands before eating. Because lead can be found in dust, soil and paint chips, children are more likely to ingest lead, which is then absorbed into their bloodstream. If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their body may experience slowed growth, behavior or learning problems, hearing problems, or headaches. The most extreme cases involve damage to the nervous system and brain. Prevention of lead exposure is important.

In adults, lead exposure can cause reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive and nerve disorders, memory or concentration problems, and joint and muscle pain.

Fortunately, testing for lead in the body is easy and inexpensive. A simple blood test can detect lead poisoning and establish levels of lead exposure. Treatments can include diet changes or medication. Extreme cases may require hospitalization.

As for lead on the property, common areas for deposits vary. Doors, windows and window frames, stairs, railings and banisters are most suspect. Outside, porches and fences are often trouble spots, and weathering may contaminate the soil around the painted areas outside.

Lofts, studios and efficiency apartments -- those without bedrooms -- are not covered by the law. Also exempt are leases that last less than 100 days, such as vacation homes. Housing built after 1977 is exempt, since the paint was banned for residential use in 1978.

For more information, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at (800) 424-LEAD.

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