Protect Your Family From Lead

Are You Planning to Buy or Rent a Home Built Before 1978?

Did you know that many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint? Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards.

Read this entire brochure to learn:

  • How lead gets into the body
  • How lead affects health
  • What you can do to protect your family
  • Where to go for more information

 

Before renting or buying a pre-1978 home or apartment, federal law requires:

  • Sellers must disclose known information on lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards before selling a house.
  • Real estate sales contracts must include a specific warning statement about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead.
  • Landlords must disclose known information on lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a specific warning statement about lead-based paint.

 

If undertaking renovations, repairs, or painting (RRP) projects in your pre-1978 home or apartment:

Read EPA’s pamphlet, The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right, to learn about the lead-safe work practices that contractors are required to follow when working in your home (see page 12).