Get the Lead Out
Until 1940, lead was the prime ingredient added to house paint to increase its durability, covering ability, and appearance. After 1940 other metals which served the same purpose replaced lead. By 1978 lead was no longer used in interior or exterior paints.
Lead is dangerous because it is highly toxic to humans, especially children under six (6) and pregnant women. Lead chips may be ingested by children and lead dust (produced by the friction created at window and door jams or during repainting or remodeling) may be inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. Exposure to excessive levels of lead can affect a child’s mental growth and interfere with nervous system development, causing learning disabilities and impaired hearing. Some studies indicate even low levels of lead in a child’s system may cause long range developmental problems.
As a buyer, the possibility of lead paint in an older residence should be a concern. As a seller, the presence of lead paint could lead to suits grounded in negligence or breach of the warranty of habitability. Federal law requires Seller to disclose whether they have knowledge of the presence of lead paint in a residence. A specific disclosure form is signed by the parties when the Contract of Sale is executed.
