How To Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home

US CPSC Document #426 "How to Protect Your Family from Lead in the Home" with additional information and annotations
LEAD CONTAMINATION HAZARDS in the HOME
Lead in the Body - separate article
Testing Your Family for Lead - separate article
Lead-Based Paint Uses in Buildings - separate article
Lead paint hazard spots in buildings
Checking Your Home for Lead - separate article
What You Can Do about Lead in the Home - separate article
Remodeling & Lead Hazards - separate article
Other Lead Sources - separate article
Help Numbers for Lead Poisoning - separate article
Government Contacts for Lead Info - separate article
Questions & answers about lead hazards in the home
References

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By offering simple steps to protect your family from lead poisoning, this document provides advice for reducing the risk of lead poisoning for families living in homes where lead exposure is suspected, likely, or where lead contamination is actually confirmed by testing.

Take These Simple Steps To Protect Your Family From Lead Poisoning Hazards

The original U.S. CPSC document is public domain. We have made additions to the technical depth of this article and we have added additional important detail about lead hazards - these are indicated by a [bracketed note in italics]. The additional text or commentary, website design, links, and references are

Consumer Product Safety Commission, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
CPSC Document #426
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, DC 20460
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Washington, DC 20207
EPA747-K-94-001 -- May 1995

Readers of this article should see our review of a Home Test Kit for Lead in on building surfaces located at LEAD TEST KIT for HOME USE. The same company offers a lead-in-water test, as do local health departments and private water testing labs in most cities. Also see Lead Contamination in Drinking Water: Testing & Correction - Advice.

What to Do If you think your home has high levels of lead:

Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.
Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods.
Get your home checked for lead hazards.
Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.
Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.
Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.
Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424-LEAD for guidelines).
Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.
Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.
See LEAD TEST KIT for HOME USE for a simple test kit for lead on building surfaces, pottery, toys, etc.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO BUY, RENT, OR RENOVATE A HOME BUILT BEFORE 1978?

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. By 1996, federal law will require that individuals receive certain information before renting, buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing:

LANDLORDS will have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases will include a federal form about lead-based paint.

SELLERS will have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts will include a federal form about lead-based paint in the building. Buyers will have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards. Also see Lead Enviro-Scare.

RENOVATORS will have to give you this pamphlet before starting work.

If you want more information on these requirements, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD.

Watch out for environmental testing and cleanup that are not performed by qualified experts. Details & examples of what can go wrong are at ASBESTOS REMOVAL, Amateur, Incomplete and Asbestos Removal, Certification.

IMPORTANT! [Lead Hazard Warnings]

Lead From Paint, Dust, and Soil Can Be Dangerous If Not Managed Properly.

FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.

FACT: Even children that seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.

FACT: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips with lead in them.

FACT: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

If you think your home might have lead hazards, read this pamphlet to learn some simple steps to protect your family. See LEAD TEST KIT for HOME USE for a simple test kit for lead on building surfaces, pottery, toys, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

Suggestions for Remodeling or Renovating a Home that Has Lead Based Paint

If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air.

Take precautions before you begin remodeling or renovations that disturb painted surfaces (such as scraping off paint or tearing out walls):

Have the area tested for lead-based paint.
Do not use a dry scraper, belt-sander, propane torch, or heat gun to remove lead-based paint. These actions create large amounts of lead dust and fumes. Lead dust can remain in your home long after the work is done.
Temporarily move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can't move your family, at least completely seal off the work area.
Follow other safety measures to reduce lead hazards. You can find out about other safety measures by calling 1-800-424-LEAD. Ask for the brochure "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home." 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 your young children tested and follow the steps outlined above.

What are Other Sources of Lead and Lead Poisoning?

While paint, dust, and soil are the most common lead hazards, other lead sources also exist.

Drinking water -- Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your plumbing might have lead in it:
Use only cold water for drinking and cooking.
Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours.
The job -- If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your clothes separately from the rest of your family's.
Old painted toys and furniture.
Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain.
Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air.
Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture.
Folk remedies that contain lead, such as "greta" and "azarcon" used to treat an upset stomach.

Lead Hazard Telephone Hotlines

The National Lead Information Center

Call 1-800-LEAD-FYI to learn how to protect children from lead poisoning.

For other information on lead hazards, call the center's clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD. For the hearing impaired, call, TDD 1-800-526-5456 (FAX: 202-659-1192, Internet: EHC@CAIS.COM).

EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline

Call 1-800-426-4791 for information about lead in drinking water.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Hotline

To request information on lead in consumer products, or to report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury call 1-800-638-2772. (Internet: info@cpsc.gov). For the hearing impaired, call TDD 1-800-638-8270.

Directory of Contact Telephones for U.S. State Health Departments & State Environmental Departments

Some cities and states have their own rules for lead-based paint activities. Check with your state agency (listed below) to see if state or local laws apply to you. Most state agencies can also provide information on finding a lead abatement firm in your area, and on possible sources of financial aid for reducing lead hazards.

State/Region Phone Number for Health Departments & Environmental Agencies

Alabama  N/A
Alaska  (907) 465-5152
Arkansas  501) 661-2534
Arizona  (602) 542-7307
California  (510) 450-2424
Colorado  (303) 692-3012
Connecticut  (203) 566-5808
Washington, DC  (202) 727-9850
Delaware  (302) 739-4735
Florida  (904) 488-3385
Georgia  (404) 657-6514
Hawaii  (808) 832-5860
Idaho  (208) 332-5544
Illinois  (800) 545-2200
Indiana  (317) 382-6662
Iowa  (800) 972-2026
Kansas  (913) 296-0189
Kentucky  (502) 564-2154
Louisiana   (504) 765-0219
Massachusetts  (800) 532-9571
Maryland  (410) 631-3859
Maine  (207) 287-4311
Michigan  (517) 335-8885
Minnesota  (612) 627-5498
Mississippi  (601) 960-7463
Missouri  (314) 526-4911
Montana  (406) 444-3671
Nebraska  (205) 242-5661
Nevada  (702) 687-6615
New Hampshire   (603) 271-4507
New Jersey   (609) 633-2043
New York  (800) 458-1158
New Mexico   (505) 841-8024
North Carolina   (919) 715-3293
North Dakota   (701) 328-5188
Ohio  (614) 466-1450
Oklahoma  (405) 271-5220
Oregon  (503) 248-5240
Pennsylvania  (717) 782-2884
Rhode Island   (401) 277-3424
South Carolina  (803) 935-7945
South Dakota   (605) 773-3153
Tennessee  (615) 741-5683
Texas  (512) 834-6600
Utah   (801) 536-4000
Vermont  (802) 863-7231
Virginia   (505) 841-8024
Washington  (206) 753-2556
West Virginia   (304) 558-2981
Wisconsin   (608) 266-5885
Wyoming   (307) 777-7391

Directory of Contact Information for U.S. EPA Regional Offices

Your Regional EPA Office can provide further information regarding regulations and lead protection programs.

EPA Regional Offices useful for Lead Hazard Information or Reporting

Region 1 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont)
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
One Congress Street
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-3420
Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
Building 5
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
(908) 321-6671
Region 3 (Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia)
841 Chestnut Building
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 597-9800
Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
345 Courtland Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30365
(404) 347-4727
Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin)
77 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
(312) 886-6003
Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)
First Interstate Bank Tower
1445 Ross Avenue, 12th Floor, Suite 1200
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
(214) 665-7244
Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7020
Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2405
(303) 293-1603
Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada)
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 744-1124
Region 10 (Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Alaska)
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 553-1200
CPSC REGIONAL OFFICES
U.S. CPSC Eastern Regional Center
201 Varick Street, Room 903
New York, NY 10014-4811
Tele. (212) 620-4120
Fax: (212) 620-5388
U.S. CPSC Central Regional Center
230 South Dearborn Street, Room 2944
Chicago, IL 60604-1601
(312) 353-8260
U.S. CPSC Western Regional Center
1301 Clay Street, Suite 610 N
Oakland, CA 94612
Tele. (510) 637-4050
Fax: (510) 637-4060

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
US CPSC Document #426 "How to Protect Your Family from Lead in the Home" with additional information and annotations
"Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Lead (Pb) and Its Availability in Children's Metal Jewelery", US CPSC, 2/3/2005
Lead in Drinking Water: Advice
Tests for Lead Contamination in Water
Lead in Drinking Water - Testing Problems/Advice
Lead Hazards: Advice, evaluation, mitigation, services - lead paint, lead in plumbing, lead in water, air, dust

How to Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home U.S. CPSC publication with additional links and resource references
Lead Hazards in buildings, Dust, Paint, Water: General Advice, Testing Procedures, Illnesses with additional links and resource references for Lead Hazards
Lead in Drinking Water : Advice
Lead Testing & Correcting Contamination from Lead Water Supply Lines/Entry Mains - Lead Pipe Problems/Advice

"Dally No Longer, Get the Lead Out," Jane Brody, The New York Times," 17 January 2006 p. F6. This is a good article for summarizing the lead issue.
SOP for Determining Lead (Pb) and And Its Availability in Children's Jewelry
Toy Industry Policy on Lead in Toys, International Council of Toy Industries, October 8, 1997
"The voluntary standard established in the United States under ASTM F-963 and the European standard under EN-71 for soluble lead in toys (lead which may migrate from the toy and be ingested by the child) is 90 parts-per-million. At that level, any intentional use of lead in paints or other surface coatings containing lead would immediately put the toy over the permitted limit."

"Under federal law, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces a standard for total lead of 600 ppm. Recently, the CPSC refused to lower the lead limit in paint and other similar surface coating materials to 100 ppm after finding that most paints sold in the United States were already at or below that level and, therefore, these materials did not present an unreasonable risk of injury warranting further government regulation."
Extreme Lead Poisoning Symptoms Suggested by Feb 2006 NY Times Article on Kosovo Roma Camps
Environmental Hazard Testing, Effects, Remedies, Prevention - our main Enviro-Haz web page
Drinking Water Contamination and Pollution How to Detect, Test, Correct, and Prevent Well Water Contamination - US EPA - Groundwater
...


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