If you’re planning to buy, rent or renovate a home built before 1978, you need to read the Renovate Right brochure produced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf).
In it you’ll learn that lead-based paint, which is dangerous to adults but especially to children under six years of age, was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned from residential use in 1978.
You have the option to hire a certified risk assessor or inspector to check for lead-based paint (call the National Lead Information Center for help finding one). Or you can assume that it’s present if your home was built prior to 1978 and follow the practices in the brochure.
Federal law now requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb painted surfaces in these homes be EPA Lead-Safe Certified. You can use the search tool on the EPA web site to find a certified renovator near you or call your local homebuilders’ association for a list of certified remodelers. After the job is complete, be sure to save the records so you can pass them on if you decide to sell your home.
If you have any questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please email at jmarshall@cbcworldwide.com.
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