QUESTION: How do I
know if my home has lead paint?
ANSWER: If
your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead paint. If
it was built prior to 1960, it almost certainly has significant
amounts of lead. The only way to be sure is to hire a contractor
certified by the state to test for lead and/or assess risk. To
find a list of state-certified inspectors, call toll-free
866-691-5323 or see
www.michigan.gov/ documents/Inspectors-all_ 35939_7.htm.
Q: Is lead paint always an immediate health hazard?
A: No. Lead-based paint is usually not a problem if it
is in good condition and not on a friction or impact surface --
such as a window frame, door jamb, or railing -- where it is
likely to be scraped.
Q: What will an inspector do?
A: A lead inspection will identify where lead
paint is present using a handheld instrument. A more
comprehensive risk assessment will analyze the condition
of the paint, the risk of exposure to children from paint,
lead-contaminated dust and outdoor soil, and what can be done to
fix problems and make the home safe.
Q: Is this expensive?
A: It depends on the company and the scope of the
work. A complete risk assessment, including multiple dust and
soil samples plus paint tests, can cost $600 or more. A targeted
inspection addressing specific areas can cost less than $150.
Q: Can I buy a home test kit instead of hiring a
contractor?
A: The federal government does not currently recommend
home test kits, which often give misleading results because they
are not properly used by home owners. Studies have shown they
are not reliable enough to tell the difference between high and
low levels of lead.
Q: What if an inspector finds problems in my home?
A: You can temporarily reduce hazards by repairing
damaged painted surfaces and cleaning areas saturated with lead
dust using special techniques to avoid making the problem worse.
"Lead in Your Home: A Parent's Reference Guide" explains many of
these techniques. Call 800-424-5323 or go to
www.epa.gov/lead/leadrev.pdf.
Q: Will simple vacuuming and dusting remove lead particles
from my home?
A: No. Even thorough vacuuming and cleaning with a wet
cloth leaves most lead particles behind. Vacuums with special
filtration systems need to be used.Lead-specific cleaning
products or detergents that contain high levels of phosphates --
like automatic dishwasher detergents -- are most effective when
washing lead surfaces.
Q: If I plan to do home renovation that involves
disturbing lead paint, are there precautions I should take?
A: Yes. Never use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat
gun, dry sandpaper or dry scraping to remove lead-based paint.
There are a host of safe work practices and cleanup guidelines
to ensure lead dust does not remain in your home after the work
is done. Those practices include closing off work areas with
plastic sheeting, spraying work surfaces with water to reduce
dust, and turning off heating or air-conditioning to keep dust
from spreading. For details about renovation safety, call
800-424-5323 or see
www.epa.gov/lead/rrpamph.pdf.
Q: Wearing a dust mask will help protect me, right?
A: Wrong. Dust masks will not prevent you from
inhaling lead dust. Use a NIOSH-certified respirator equipped
with a HEPA filter or an N95 mask. HEPA filters are always
purple.
Q: If I'm selling or buying a home, what are my
obligations or rights?
A: Federal law requires the seller or
landlord of a home to disclose the knowledge of any lead-based
paint or hazards in housing constructed before 1978. They must
also provide records related to the lead hazard, and a federal
pamphlet titled: "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."
Sellers must provide purchasers with a 10-day period to conduct
inspections or risk assessments.
Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, Michigan
Department of Community Health, Protech Environmental Services
of Ann Arbor. Compiled by Hugh McDiarmid Jr.
