Lead and Housing
Work Lead Safe
Environmental Protection Agency – Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program:
Any renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) project in a pre-1978 home or building can easily create dangerous lead dust. EPA requires that RRP projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and preschools built before 1978 be performed by lead-safe certified contractors. Generally, EPA’s Lead RRP rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own homes. However, it does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a child care center in your home or if you buy, renovate, and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house flipper).
Lead Safe Guidelines from Lowe's
Lead based Paint PSA
Source: U.S. EPA
Learn more about the EPA's Lead RRP Rule
Before you get Started
Any home project- repairs and renovations- can create dangerous lead dust. Make sure you are working “lead safe” when doing any repairs or renovations. There are very specific things you (or whoever is doing the work) must do to keep you and your family safe.
Renovate Right
These are very specific guides for your renovation projects.
Step By Step
From windows (which are often a source of lead paint and dust) to painting and repairs to how to safely remove paint chips and dust- these are valuable guides to any home work you are doing.
Hire a Professional
Hire a certified lead professional or firm to inspect your home. Hire a certified lead inspector and a certified risk assessor.
Certified inspectors use an XRF instrument to measure and identify lead. Certified risk assessors use those findings to determine if any lead found is a lead-hazard.
Sometimes, the same professional holds both certifications.