Lead Paint Hazards in Rental Property

For homes built before 1978, landlords should be on the lookout for lead paint hazards that may be present. Why is lead such a concern? After all, we've all grow up with it and been exposed to it, right? For the answers to those questions, lets take a look at what lead is, and how it may cause potential problems in both children and adults.

What is Lead?

Lead is a metal that is highly toxic to the human body. It was used for many years in quite a few products both in and outside the home. Paint manufacturers used it as an additive right up to 1978, at which time it was banned. The EPA has helped to phase out lead from gasoline, reduced its concentrations in drinking water and air pollution, and banned (or limited) its use in consumer products.

What are the Effects of Lead?

Lead can cause various adverse health effects, ranging from learning and behavioral problems, to seizures and in some cases even death. Lead is especially harmful to young children 6 years old and under because their bodies are growing very quickly and can absorb more lead. If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from the following conditions:

• Slowed growth,
• Behavioral and problems with learning,
• Hearing problems,
• Damage to the central nervous system and brain, and
• Headaches.

Adults with elevated lead levels in their bodies can suffer from the following disorders:

• High blood pressure,
• Nerve disorders,
• Muscle and joint pain,
• Reproductive problems and difficulties during pregnancy,
• Memory and concentration problems, and
• Digestive problems,

Where Lead Hazards in Rental Property may exist

As a general rule, the earlier that a house has been built prior to 1978, the more likely it will have lead-based paint.

Lead paint that is peeling or chipped can present a serious hazard as well as lead dust that you can't always see. The following list describes lead paint hazards and where they're most likely to be found:

• Chipping, peeling, chalking or cracking lead paint presents a hazard (especially to young children) and requires immediate attention and repair. Note: Lead paint that is in good condition is normally not a health hazard.
• If found on surfaces that children chew or get a lot of wear, lead-based paint can pose a serious hazard. These surfaces include the following…
• Stairs, hand railings and balusters,
• Windows and window sills (sliding friction turns paint into dust),
• Doors and door frames, and
• Porch decks and fences.
• If lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or heated, lead dust can form. Lead dust can also form when surfaces coated with lead paint rub or bump together, such as a window sash sliding up and down. This dust can settle on objects that people touch and can become airborne when people sweep, vacuum, or walk through it.
• Lead that exists in the soil around the house can present a hazard if it is bare. This is because lead from paint and past use of leaded gas in cars could have leached into the soil over time. Children who play in bare soil are at risk of getting it onto their hands and ingesting it, and people who track it into the house on their shoes can create an indoor hazard.
• Old painted toys and furniture can create lead paint hazards.
• Jewelry can be maufactured with lead.
• Food and liquids stored in "lead crystal" or lead-glazed porcelain.
• Water service and plumbing supply pipes: Your property may have water pipes with lead or lead solder. You cannot see, taste or smell lead, and boiling the water will not get rid of lead.

  If you suspect that your plumbing might contain lead, then use only cold water for drinking and cooking, and always let the water run for 15 - 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you haven't used the water for a few hours.

Take Precautions before Remodeling

If you plan to remodel a rental property (built prior to 1978) and it involves disturbing painted surfaces (such as scraping off old paint or tearing down walls), then the following precautions should be taken to eliminate lead paint hazards:

• Have the work area tested for lead-based paint.
• Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint. These actions create lead paint hazards by releasing large amounts of lead dust and fumes.
• Lead dust can remain in your home long after the work is done.
• Temporarily move your tenants (especially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can't move them, at least completely seal off the work area.
• Follow other safety measures to reduce lead paint hazards. You can find out about other safety measures in the EPA brochure titled "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home" (PDF). This brochure explains what to do before, during, and after renovations.

If you have already completed renovations or remodeling that could have released lead-based paint or dust, get young children tested and follow the steps outlined to protect your tenants.

And remember, Federal law requires that landlords must provide new tenants who are renting pre-1978 housing with a disclosure form outlining known lead-based paint information for the rental unit.

For more in-depth information about lead paint hazards in rental property, please visit The Landlord's Library book collection. It's a terrific, one-stop source for practical, comprehensive information on the entire subject of residential landlording.

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