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Region 5 Lead Awareness
National Information

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What is Lead?

Sources of Lead

Regulations:

Protect your Family from Lead Pamphlet

What is Lead?

Lead is a toxic metal that may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk because of their hand to mouth behavior. Due to smaller body mass, their growing bodies absorb more lead which makes them more susceptible to health effects. The Federal Government's goal is to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the United States as a major public health problem by the year 2010.

U.S. EPA Region 5 has a high incidence rate of lead poisoning among young children, yet has seen significant results in reducing such cases over the last three decades. Federal, state and local regulations governing lead-based paint activities; the phase-out of lead from gasoline, and new house paint; and reductions of lead in industry, drinking water, consumer goods, hazardous sites and other sources have played a part.

Region 5 is committed to reducing lead as a major public heath problem through outreach and education of homeowners, property managers, renovation contractors, and schools. Region 5 partners with states, local agencies, and tribes to extend outreach to areas with high elevated blood-lead levels and participates in events and stakeholder meetings geared toward lead poisoning prevention.

Sources of Lead

Lead was used in paint, water pipes, gasoline, solder that joins pipes, pottery, and for other purposes. Lead exposure has also resulted from occupations or hobbies using lead and, occasionally, folk remedies. Even though this metal is not used as much today, it remains in places it was used before.

Although lead has been in the news because of recalls of foreign made toys decorated with lead paint, pediatricians say that greater risk continues to come from lead paint in older homes.

Regulations:

Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule Section §402(c)(3) of the Toxic Substances Control Act

On March 31st, 2008, the U.S. EPA issued a new rule requiring lead safe work practices to reduce exposure to lead hazards created by renovation, repair and painting (RRP) activities that disturb lead-based paint. The rule will address hazards created by renovation, repair and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in “target housing” and “child-occupied facilities”. The RRP rule will establish requirements for training renovators and dust sampling technicians; certifying renovators, dust sampling technicians, and renovation firms; accrediting providers of renovation and dust sampling technician training; and for renovation work practices. This rule will be enforceable in April 2010. For more information on the renovation, repair and painting rules compliance and brochures visit RRP Headquarters. For current information on lead abatement not associated with the RRP rule visit the link for Lead Professionals.

Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule/Section § 1018 of Title X

Although highly toxic lead based paint was banned in 1978; homes built in 1978 and before may still contain paint containing lead. Deteriorating paint in such homes present a lead hazard through inhalation and ingestion of paint chips and lead contaminated dust and soil. Lead may also be present in varnish, caulk, and other materials. It is important to find out if your home has lead in it or around it. Because of these threats, U.S. EPA has regulations to protect both renters and buyers.

Under the U.S. EPA Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule/Section 1018 , the landlord or rental agent must give the prospective tenant a copy of the pamphlet, “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”, and must inform them of any known lead-based paint hazards in the residential unit and common areas. The landlord is not required to test for lead paint or remove it.
If buying a home, the seller or agent must give the buyer a copy of “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”, and inform the buyer of any known lead based paint hazards. The seller is not required to test for lead. The seller must offer the prospective buyer a 10-day opportunity to have a lead inspection or risk assessment performed. The buyer cannot be obligated to sign a contract until given this opportunity. The parties may agree to adjust the 10 day period.
Copies of the “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” are provided through the web links below:

The Pre-Renovation Education Rule/Section §406(b)

If the homeowner hires a contractor to renovate a home built before 1978, the contractor must provide a copy of “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” before work begins. The Pre-Renovation Education Rule/Section §406(b) of TSCA requires renovators of most housing built before 1978 working for compensation to provide the owner and occupant of the housing the pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home” before beginning the renovation. If the owner does not live in the housing, the occupant must be provided information regarding the nature and timing of the renovation. The renovator is required to keep specific notification documentation.

If homeowners decide to renovate or rehab their home themselves, U.S. EPA suggest the individuals practice lead safe work practices. When renovating homes built before 1978, homeowners must take precautions when disturbing old paint. U.S. EPA suggests homeowners read the following brochures before doing any home renovation project that may disturb old paint.
"Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home" and Don't Spread Lead: A Do-It-Yourselfer's Guide to Lead-Safe Painting, Repair, and Home Improvement (booklet). Go to the National Lead Information Center webpage or contact the Lead Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD for more information on lead hazards and their prevention.

U.S. EPA Region 5 Lead Poisoning Prevention Region 5 Staff Contacts:

Public Health Specialist- Tammy Moore (312) 886-6181

Lead Outreach Coordinator-John Wsol (312) 353-5685

Lead Program Manager- Phil King (312) 353-9062

Lead Regional Coordinator – David Turpin (312) 886-7836

Lead Enforcement- Thomas Crosetto (312) 886-6294

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