The use of lead in paint was greatly reduced in the manufacturing
process in the 1950’s and the use of lead in household paints was
limited in 1978 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSD).
However, most of the lead paint that was applied 40 or more years ago
remains in place today. According to a 1990 report by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 75% of all homes built
before 1980 have some lead paint. Contrary to common belief, these
homes are just as likely to belong to upper and middle class owners as
to the poor.
Lead is also found in building materials other than paint -- substances
such as roofing, piping or solder. Lead is a cumulative poison and
exposure to it can affect the brain leading to symptoms as serious as
seizures, coma and death. The very stringent state and federal
regulations are changing the way property owners, landlords, tenants,
mortgage lenders, realtors, insurers, and building contractors do
business. Our experts can help you navigate the regulatory process and
safely move forward with your project.
The Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
has published a Lead Paint Safety Guide, available here in PDF format:
Lead in Paint
