For fifteen years home sellers, real estate agents and property managers have been required by federal law to hand out a lead-based paint disclosure to prospective buyers and tenants, along with a federally approved pamphlet on the hazards of lead based paint.

The disclosure recommends a risk assessment or inspection for possible lead based paint is done prior to purchase. It also states that lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligent quotient, behavior problems and impaired memory.

Recently added to the form (11/2010) is the information below that will effect the pocket book as well as children. The new RRP rule forever changes the work practices on homes build prior to 1978.  It is now very important to have a lead-based paint inspection or assessment done on a pre 1978 home before purchase. If paint is certified to be free of lead, it is exempt from the rule. Otherwise, contractors must assume all pre-78 paint is lead-based.

EPA'S LEAD-BASED PAINT RENOVATION, REPAIR AND PAINTING RULE: The new rule requires that contractors and maintenance professionals working in pre-1978 housing, child care facilities and schools with lead-based paint to be certified; that their employees be trained; and that they follow protective work practice standards. The rule applies to renovation, repair or painting activities affecting more than six square feet of lead based paint in a room or more that 20 square feet of lead-based paint on the exterior. Enforcement of the rule begins October 1, 2010. See the EPA website at www.epa.gov/lead for more information.