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Renovate safely.
It’s the law.

If you own a home or building built before 1978, you’ve got special responsibilities. If you’re a homeowner, be aware of lead hazards so you can educate and protect your family. If you’re a contractor or landlord, take charge of protecting residents, tenants, your crew and yourself. Renovate right.

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Learn About LeadLOOK UP PROPERTY HISTORY

Are you curious about a property’s lead history? Find out! Knowing that history will help you make informed decisions, especially if you live with small children. Look up an address to find out if a lead history exists.
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends that anyone working on a pre-1987 building or home follow the Renovation, Repair and Painting rules, which boil down to three simple procedures:

  • Contain the work area.
  • Minimize dust.
  • Clean up thoroughly.

Planning to renovate a home built before 1978, and suspect you’ll encounter lead paint? Plan to get help.

Lead poisoning is serious, and both DIY and professional contractors are at risk. There’s a danger of exposing yourself and other workers and of harming loved ones by carrying lead dust home from the construction area. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, very few lead-remediation practices are advisable for laypeople or contractors who don’t have training in lead-abatement practices. It’s best to find the right person for the job: a licensed lead-abatement contractor.

Tips for landlords

When a landlord renovates occupied rental units or common areas in buildings constructed before 1978, EPA regulations require that current tenants receive lead hazard information within 60 days of the date the renovation will begin. (EPA regulations define “renovation” as any change that disturbs painted surfaces, with some exceptions such as minor repairs and emergency renovations.) These regulations were developed under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act and became effective in June 1999.

Landlords must disclose lead-based paint or other hazards before renting or renovating property and may be held liable for tenant health problems resulting from lead. If the renovation is taking place in an occupied rental unit, the renovator (landlord or outside contractor) must give tenants in the unit the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home within 60 days of the date the renovation will begin. If common areas will be affected, the renovator must distribute a notice to every rental unit in the building, describing the nature and location of the renovation work and the dates work is expected to begin and end.

Tips for contractors

The EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rules require that firms performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb a home’s lead-based paint use certified renovators who have EPA-approved training and follow lead-safe work practices. While it is those contractors’ responsibility to communicate with property owners and renters about their practices and follow through with safety standards, landlords and homeowners must also be aware of the dangers of renovating around lead hazards.

 

Sources: EPA, Mother Jones

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WHERE LEAD LURKS

RENOVATION HAZARDS

Renovating or repairing a home or building built before 1978? You’ve got some extra to-dos. Learn how to protect families, tenants and workers. Find helpful links on the resources page.

Roll over or tap a lead hazard to reveal tips on how to prevent lead from harming you or others.

PAINTED FENCES

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

PORCHES

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

SOIL

  • Have soil tested for lead.
  • Wipe shoes on a floor mat outside and remove them before entering.
  • Plant produce away from buildings and use raised beds with fresh soil.

DOORS

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

WINDOWS

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

FAUCETS

  • Run the tap 1-2 minutes before use.
  • Don’t drink from outdoor spigots.
  • Use cold water for cooking.
  • Have water tested annually.
  • Call the water company to ask about free testing.

MINIBLINDS

  • Wear gloves and a mask to clean or remove old blinds.
  • Wipe blinds with a wet rag or paper towel before removing.
  • Clean window area after removing.
  • Look for “lead-free” labels on new blinds.

SHELVING

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

WALLS + BASEBOARDS

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

STAIRCASES

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

RADIATORS

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

STAINED GLASS

  • Repair stable lead came (borders around glass pieces) and solder away from dining areas and food.
  • If you’re removing stained glass pieces for repair by a professional, wear a mask and gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
PAINTED FENCES
PORCHES
LANDSCAPING / SOIL
DOORS
WINDOWS
FAUCETS
VINYL MINIBLINDS
BUILT-IN SHELVING
WALLS AND BASEBOARDS
STAIRCASES AND BANISTERS
RADIATORS
STAINED GLASS
WHERE LEAD LURKS

RENOVATION HAZARDS

Renovating or repairing a home or building built before 1978? You’ve got some extra to-dos. Learn how to protect families, tenants and workers. Find helpful links on the resources page.

PAINTED FENCES
PORCHES
LANDSCAPING / SOIL
DOORS
WINDOWS
FAUCETS
VINYL MINIBLINDS
BUILT-IN SHELVING
WALLS AND BASEBOARDS
STAIRCASES AND BANISTERS
RADIATORS
STAINED GLASS
Roll over or tap the lead hazard to learn more.

PAINTED FENCES

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

PORCHES

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

SOIL

  • Have soil tested for lead.
  • Wipe shoes on a floor mat outside and remove them before entering.
  • Plant produce away from buildings and use raised beds with fresh soil.

DOORS

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

WINDOWS

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

FAUCETS

  • Run the tap 1-2 minutes before use.
  • Don’t drink from outdoor spigots.
  • Use cold water for cooking.
  • Have water tested annually.
  • Call the water company to ask about free testing.

MINIBLINDS

  • Wear gloves and a mask to clean or remove old blinds.
  • Wipe blinds with a wet rag or paper towel before removing.
  • Clean window area after removing.
  • Look for “lead-free” labels on new blinds.

SHELVING

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

WALLS + BASEBOARDS

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

STAIRCASES

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

RADIATORS

  • If paint and surface are in good condition, apply an encapsulant before repainting.
  • If paint is peeling or cracking, use a licensed abatement contractor to have it removed.

STAINED GLASS

  • Repair stable lead came (borders around glass pieces) and solder away from dining areas and food.
  • If you’re removing stained glass pieces for repair by a professional, wear a mask and gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Preventing lead exposure in older buildings and homes

Q&A FOR HOMEOWNERS, CONTRACTORS & LANDLORDS

How do you know if a home or facility needs lead remediation?

If the structure was built before 1978, there is likely to be lead paint present. If any paint in the building is chipping or peeling, consider lead abatement. Professional testing is the best way to find out if your paint, plumbing or soil contain lead. Homeowners can request a testing kit from the Indiana Collaboration for Lead Action and Prevention (ICLAP) for dust, water, paint and soil analysis.

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What are the current hazard standards for lead paint?

As of June 2019, the EPA has set the threshold for safe lead levels at 0 micrograms (µg) of lead in dust per square foot (ft2) for floor dust and 100 µg/ft2 for windowsill dust, significantly lower than the previous levels of 40 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft2) for floor dust and 250 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft2) for windowsill dust. Read more.

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How can tenants file complaints about landlords using unsafe renovation practices?

Contact the Indiana Department of Health at 317-233-1325 or the Marion County Public Health Department at 317-221-2155.

Should homeowners, contractors and landlords remediate lead hazards themselves?

The EPA strongly recommends hiring licensed abatement contractors where lead dust is a hazard. If you work in a home that might generate lead dust, wear the right protective gear (a mask, gloves and disposable all-body covering) and create an “airlock” of plastic curtains to contain lead dust to the workspace. Read more about how to create a safe DIY workspace.

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Where can I find a licensed abatement contractor?

Search for contractors through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency or the EPA.

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How can I request a home lead inspection?

Call the Marion County Public Health Department at 317-221-2155 or complete the contact form on this page.

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What if I can’t afford remediation?

Apply for free lead testing and control for both renters and owners through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

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What’s an encapsulant?

Encapsulants are materials that are applied over lead-based paint to seal the paint to a surface and prevent the release of paint chips or dust. The material may be either a liquid or an adhesive. Conventional paint or primer is not an encapsulant.

Have a question about something else?

Send a message or call the Marion County Public Health Department at 317-221-2155.

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Learn more about the project.

Is lead exposure a risk in your home?

Pick up a free Lead Screening Kit!

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Indianapolis Public Library
locations. See locations.

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