Most of those children are poisoned by deteriorated lead-based paint and the contaminated soil and dust it generates. Particularly at risk are families renovating older structures and low- income families living in dilapidated housing. Parents can unknowingly poison their children when they disrupt lead-based painted surfaces during renovations, for example. The EPA estimates that one out of every eleven American children have elevated blood lead levels. Lead paint poisoning can result in behavioral problems, learning disabilities and even permanent brain, nervous system and kidney damage in young children.
Pregnant women poisoned by lead can pass that on to a developing fetus.
Sellers and landlords must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards in homes. They also are required to give buyers or tenants any reports that are available from tests that may have been performed before sale or lease. Sellers and landlords must give buyers and renters a pamphlet about how to protect families from lead in homes. The pamphlet, developed by HUD, EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is available in both English and Spanish. The number of days can be changed by mutual consent.