The presence of lead in homes is hazardous to health. Lead in paints is banned in residential structures. Federal laws give all buyers 10 days to inspect for any lead based paint in their newly bought home. Many homes built before 1978 commonly used lead-based paint before the Federal Government banned the use in residential structures. The federal regulations also stipulate that the seller should disclose to home buyers who are buying a home built before that year any lead exposure that the new buyer would experience.

This is because lead can affect ones health. Lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior problems, slowed growth, headaches, difficulties during pregnancy, high blood pressure, digestive problems and muscle and joint pain. Disclosures are required as lead is a potential health risk.

A seller must reveal any presence of lead in the home through a “Lead Paint Disclosure.” The disclosure should be in written report and any information about known lead paint in the home should be included. If tests were conducted prior to the transaction, the results should be shared with the buyer. Sales contract must give the buyers 10 days to check for possible lead presence.

The lead disclosure regulations also apply to landlord whose buildings are built before 1978.

Stay Alert for Potential Problems

Lead paint that is intact--with no cracking, chipping or wear--is considered unlikely to pose health risks, but if your home might contain lead paints, watch for:

* Peeling, chipping, or cracking paints.
* Areas susceptible to wear and tear that causes cracking or exposure to underlying layers of paints on stair railings, banisters, window sills, door frames, porches and fences.
* Lead dust that results when paint is sanded or dry scraped.
* Lead in the soil surrounding your home, caused by flaking lead paints on its exterior, since it's a risk to children playing outdoors and in a prime spot to be tracked inside on shoes.

Other Sources of Lead

Lead paint isn't the only potential source of lead in your home.

* Lead is sometimes found in drinking water when plumbing contains lead or lead solder. You should test the water for lead, since it cannot be detected by taste or smell.
* Old painted toys or furniture.
* Industries that release lead into the air.
* Hobbies that use items containing lead, such as stained glass work, pottery and furniture refinishing.

What Can You Do About Lead?

Temporary Controls

* Temporarily reduce lead hazards by repairing damaged painted surfaces and planting new grass to cover soil that could contain high lead levels.
* Clean up paint chips right away.
* Clean painted surfaces weekly, then thoroughly rinse your cleaning tools.
* Wash children's hands frequently; wash toys and other items they play with regularly.
* Keep children from chewing on painted surfaces.
* Eat nutritious meals that are high in iron and calcium. Children and adults with good diets absorb less lead.

Permanent Lead Removal

* Permanent lead removal requires work by a certified lead abatement contractor who will remove lead paint or seal and enclose it with special materials.

Be sure to follow the EPA's guidelines if you plan to remodel or renovate a home built prior to 1978.

Lead testing may be common in some areas, but I have never met a home seller who has tested for the presence of lead paints, so don't be alarmed or suspicious if your seller has no lead paint information to share with you.

Although lead paint creates a risk, for most of us its presence isn't enough to keep us from buying a home we love--we know what to watch for and we deal with it.