Contracts must include a federal form about old, lead-based paint. Sellers must also give buyers the government brochure, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home. Buyers have up to 10 days to conduct a lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment at their own expense. If you have young children, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, have a thorough lead risk assessment done by a professional contractor who does not also do abatement work to avoid a conflict of interest. Lead dust can form when old, lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or heated.
Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together.
Lead dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through it. It is absolutely essential that a professional contractor trained in proper handling and removal of lead-based paint perform the job. If you have already completed renovations that could have released lead-based paint or dust, get your young children tested. Encapsulation is particularly encouraging as a more practical and cost-effective alternative to full removal of the paint.