LEAD-SAFE REMODELING AND PAINTING

More information on adult lead poisoning

Remodeling, renovation, routine maintenance are all activities that can create lead hazards. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, property owner, property manager, or professional contractor, it is important for you to know about, and to practice lead-safe work practices methods when remodeling, painting or performing maintenance on homes built before 1978.

Oregon Lead-Based Paint Regulations

Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 333-069 (EXIT)  requires all workers removing or stabilizing paint on housing or childcare settings built before 1978 to obtain a Permit from the Department of Human Services. The Lead-Based Paint Permit Application (pdf) must be submitted along with a $5 fee. Applicants will receive educational materials to learn how to work lead-safe. You may also refer to the Lead-Safe Guide (pdf) for more information on permits and regulations.

Lead-Safe Remodeling is Important for:

Do-It-Your-Selfers

• Protect your property, your health and your family
• Property owners protect your investment and avoid liability

• Avoid liability and protect your good business name
• Promote a 'value-added' service

Property Managers

• Protect your property
• Maintain livability and avoid liability

Schools and Child Care Providers

• Protect children in your care
• Avoid liability
• Keep parent trust

As a general rule, the older the home, the greater the chance that it will have lead based paint. Structures built before 1950 frequently have a good deal of lead paint. However, lead was added to house paint until 1978 when the Conusmer Product Safety Commission restricted the amount of lead that can be added to paint.

Every time the surface of lead-based paint is disturbed, whether by a saw, drill or crowbar, a lead paint hazard is created. There are, however, certain simple and straightforward techniques that professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike can use to reduce that hazard when remodeling.

The Lead Based Paint Program's Tips for Remodeling and Fix Up is a good place to start. If you would like more information on lead-safe remodeling, phone the Lead-Based Paint Program at (971) 673-0440. DHS has also developed a booklet entitled Lead-Safe Remodeling (pdf) that provides detailed information about how to perform lead-safe remodeling and renovation. If you are interested in hiring a professional you may also want to download the Questions to Ask to Find a 'LEAD-SAFE Remodeler' (pdf) brochure, and see our list of Lead Paint Permit Holders.

For information on testing your home, see EPA's brochure Testing Your Home for Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil (pdf). If you are interested in hiring a certified lead paint inspector or risk assessor to test your home, please see the Certified Company list.  Certified lead inspectors and assessors are required to send environmental lead samples to a National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP) (pdf).  These labs have demonstrated the ability to accurately analyze paint chip, dust, or soil samples for lead. For more information on the National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (EXIT to EPA).

Lead-Based Paint Enforcement and Complaints:

The Lead-Based Paint Program actively enforces violations of unsafe work practices. Program staff follow up on all tips and complaints.

To file a complaint or to report unsafe work practices:

     PHONE:   Glenn Kawanishi at 971-673-0436

                    Lead-Based Paint Program at 971-673-0440 

                    LeadLine a toll free phone service at 1-800-368-5060

     E-MAIL:   glenn.k.kawanishi@state.or.us

To learn more about working safely with lead paint, download these brochures:

Notification requirements for remodelers, landlords and tenants

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all contractors or landlords working on homes built before 1978 to provide consumers and tenants with pre-renovation notification concerning the hazards of lead-based paint. This regulation requires that contractors or landlords provide clients with the EPA's pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home". The contractor or landlord must also have the client sign a form documenting that the pamphlet was received. For more information on the pre-renovation rule see the pre-renovation fact sheet and the confirmation of receipt forms.  DHS can also provide you with more information on the Pre-Renovation Rule or lead-safe remodeling techniques.

For more information download the following brochures:

See our educational material page for more information on working lead-safe and preventing lead poisoning.