April 2017 Newsletter: Lead-Based Paint - Where, how, why and what to do!

Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems, especially in young children. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, including the kidneys, nerves and blood and sometimes lead to death.

Lead-based paint contamination can be associated with both commercial and residential properties. The effects of lead paint contamination can go unnoticed for significant periods but the long-term effects can be severe. If your commercial or residential building was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint. Lead in paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning. Lead paint is still present in millions of structures, sometimes hidden under several layers of newer paint. If the new paint is in good shape, the underlying lead paint is usually not a problem if left undisturbed. However, deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention.

wall lead testing As with many of the problem chemicals and substances we are currently dealing with, lead-based paint historically exhibited many properties that made it attractive; such as fast drying, adhering easily to many surfaces, durability and cleaning easily. Lead based paint can still be found on roads, street signs, heavy equipment, and a handful of other places. Why? Because it’s still as durable, bright, and cheap as it ever was. The difference is, these areas are out of the reach of children.

In 1996, in an effort to inform potential buyers and renters of buildings that may contain lead-based paint, the EPA passed the Lead Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Program (Section 1018 of Title X). This required that certain information about lead and lead hazards in the structure be known prior to a sale or lease. Additionally, the program provides the opportunity for buyers to have an independent lead inspection performed. Before ratification of a contract, sellers and landlords must 1.) Disclose any known information concerning potential lead-based paint hazards and available records, 2.) Provide purchasers and lessees with a lead hazard information pamphlet, and 3.) Include specific language in the lease or contract related to lead. In addition, sellers must give buyers time to conduct a lead inspection. Most private housing, public housing, federally-owned housing, and housing receiving federal assistance built prior to 1978 are affected by this rule. Sellers, landlords, and agents are responsible for compliance or face up to a $11,000 penalty for each violation.

What is a Lead-Based Paint Inspection?
A lead-based paint inspection is either a surface-by-surface or paint chip investigation to determine whether there is lead-based paint in a structure and where it may be located. Inspections can be legally performed only by certified inspectors or risk assessors.

Why should I have my home inspected for lead risks?

You live in or are considering purchasing a home built before 1978 where small children will be living.
You are about to remodel or do anything that will disturb painted surfaces that may generate potential lead-based paint dust and chips that can harm you and your family.
You are renting or buying a home. When buying a home, federal law allows the purchaser the opportunity to conduct testing to determine whether lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards are present. This is especially important if you have (or plan to have) young children in the home. Learn your rights before buying and renting here.
You are concerned about possible lead exposure to you, your family and pets, or visitors.

Why should I have my commercial/industrial property inspected for lead risks?

There are potential liabilities associated with workplace exposure to lead-based paint.
There are possible concerns if you wish to sell the property in the future.
Any major disturbance of the paint during sanding, cutting etc. runs the risk of creating lead bearing dust.

What do I do if lead-based paint is found in my structure?

Lead exposure is serious business. To protect you and your family from lead hazards, Pyramid can help you decide whether continued good maintenance (managing potential lead hazards) or abatement (eliminating lead hazards completely) is a better option for you.

Pyramid Has You Covered!

Pyramid performs lead-based paint inspections for a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial clients. We rapidly outline a solution for real estate and development projects and for last-minute renovation or demolition projects. Pyramid’s staff includes licensed lead inspectors in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia who are also able to complete lead-based paint inspections in states authorized by the EPA.

Pyramid recently purchased a new Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified Heuresis Pb200i Handheld XRF Lead Paint Analyzer (XRF) to complete our lead paint inspections. The Heuresis performs tests on painted surfaces as well as on soil and dust wipes. Testing painted surfaces is the most common method for a typical lead inspection. It is non-destructive and a reading is usually obtained in about 1-3 seconds with a 95% accuracy. This new unit, referred to as a “quantum leap forward in XRF sensing technology”, is the latest and greatest high performance XRF. The unit outperforms other XRFs on the market and is the only unit to not have a substrate correction. It is specifically engineered for HUD projects and can quickly complete a thorough survey for any size structure. Pyramid performs lead-based paint inspections on a regular basis, and we are familiar with many of the national and state laws associated with lead so please do not hesitate to contact us today!