Clear information for safer homes, buildings, and renovations.

OLDER BUILDINGS

Why pre-1978 properties deserve special attention

Lead-based paint was banned for residential consumer use in 1978. Older homes and buildings may still contain it beneath newer paint layers. Intact paint is not always an immediate hazard, but peeling, chipping, cracking, impact, friction, sanding, cutting, and demolition can create contaminated chips and fine dust.

Windows, doors, stairs, porches, floors, trim, and other surfaces that rub or receive frequent impact deserve close attention. Lead can also be present in soil and some plumbing components.

PROTECTING CHILDREN

Small habits can reduce everyday exposure

• Keep children away from peeling paint, paint chips, renovation dust, and active work areas.
• Wet-clean floors, windowsills, window wells, and other horizontal surfaces instead of dry sweeping.
• Wash children’s hands and frequently handled toys, especially before meals and sleep.
• Remove shoes at the entrance to reduce soil and dust tracked indoors.
• Do not sand, scrape, burn, or demolish painted surfaces in an older property without appropriate lead-safe controls.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you believe a child may have been exposed; a blood test is used to determine blood lead level.

RISK ASSESSMENTS

Inspection and risk assessment answer different questions

A lead-based paint inspection identifies whether lead-based paint is present on tested building components. A risk assessment evaluates lead hazards and exposure pathways, which may include deteriorated paint, dust, soil, and other site conditions, then recommends appropriate control strategies.

Charmed Enterprises provides independent lead risk assessments on projects where Charmed is not performing the abatement work. Request an assessment consultation →

RENOVATION SAFETY

Renovation can turn hidden paint into airborne and settled dust

Renovation, repair, painting, window replacement, and demolition can disturb painted surfaces. On covered pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities, EPA’s RRP rule requires certified firms and lead-safe work practices. Those practices include containing the work area, controlling dust-generating methods, cleaning carefully, and completing required documentation.

Lead hazard remediation is the umbrella term we use for this broader work. The actual compliance path depends on the project: licensed abatement addresses identified lead hazards, while EPA RRP governs covered renovation activities that disturb painted surfaces.