On April 22, 2010, new regulations adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) became effective. These EPA regulations address the handling of lead-based paint during renovations in target housing. “Target Housing” means any residence built prior to 1978 and “child-occupied facilities”. For Realtors, ensuring that recommended contractors are properly certified when renovations or repairs are made to pre-1978 private housing and general familiarity with the law and regulations are essential.
Lead-Based Paint Hazards
The impact of lead exposure on young children and babies, even before they are born, is well known. Childhood lead poisoning, according to the EPA, “remains a major environmental health problem in the United States”. Lead can be ingested into a child’s body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, by eating soil or paint chips containing lead and from plumbing systems containing lead pipes which contaminate the water children drink. Adults are also impacted by exposure to lead and the problems which ensue, i.e., damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, impaired growth, nerve disorders, reproductive problems and muscle and joint pain, are common complaints of children and adults exposed to lead poisoning.
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