EPA imposes stricter standards to protect children from exposure to lead paint
Last edited Fri Oct 25, 2024, 06:06 AM - Edit history (1)
Source: msn/AP
12h
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two weeks after setting a nationwide deadline for removal of lead pipes, the Biden administration is imposing strict new limits on dust from lead-based paint in older homes and child-care facilities.
A final rule announced Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency sets limits on lead dust on floors and window sills in pre-1978 residences and child-care facilities to levels so low they cannot be detected.
Paint that contains lead was banned in 1978, but more than 30 million American homes are believed to still contain it, including nearly 4 million homes where children under the age of 6 live. Lead paint can chip off when it deteriorates or is disturbed, especially during home remodeling or renovation.
“The science is clear: There is no safe level of lead,” said Michal Freedhoff, EPA's assistant administrator for chemical safety and pollution prevention. “It is time to finally rid the country of the scourge that lead paint has posed to our children’s health” for generations, she said.
Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/epa-imposes-stricter-standards-to-protect-children-from-exposure-to-lead-paint/ar-AA1sQQAU
Link to EPA NEWS RELEASE - EPA Strengthens Standards to Protect Children from Exposure to Lead Paint Dust
Link to White House FACT SHEET - FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Standards to Protect Millions from Exposure to Lead Paint Dust, Announces New Actions to Address Toxic Lead Exposure
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they have always focused on the old construction residences first and there is STILL plenty of old stock, some going back to the late 1800s, including as single family homes. In addition, many apartment complexes (particularly the older ones) still have this issue where landlords will bring in some maintenance crew to paint over layers and layers of old paint and wallpaper with the cheapest stuff they can find (leading to peeling and exposure of old, pre-1978 lead-based paint).
In general, there is a Disclosure requirement for sellers and landlords, which includes providing a certification form (that may come in many variations depending on the state, but has standard minimum language) and an EPA brochure about lead paint - https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosures-about-potential-lead-hazards
(example form)
(brochure)
And specifically (from that lnk) -
EPA enforces lead-based paint laws to protect you and your family. A seller, landlord, real estate agent or property manager who does not give the proper information to homebuyers and renters may be subject to penalties. Giving home buyers and renters information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards helps people protect themselves and their families while avoiding misunderstandings before, during, and after sales and rental agreements. If you did not receive the disclosure of information on lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards when you bought or rented pre-1978 housing, report this information to: epa.gov/lead/violation.
A homeowner or renter can get their own tests if they choose to confirm (I used to do a billion quantitative lead and cadmium tests in the lab as a chemist and there are test kits and test strips available too for qualitative verification).
