Lead exposure has harmful effects on human health, especially on the health of children and pregnant women. The primary source of lead in homes is lead-based paint. Homes built before 1978 can have lead-based paint.
In Maryland, it is important to get a lead paint inspection to provide a safe living environment for your family. In this blog, all you need to know about lead-based paint inspection is explained.
Why is Lead Dangerous?
Lead is a heavy metal that was used in commercial products like gasoline, paint, and cosmetics. This element is toxic and can harm children and pregnant women.
The lead found in paint can convert into lead dust over time. Exposure to such an affected environment can be a reason for numerous health issues. Children usually get affected by the harms of lead after being in touch with paint chips peeled off from walls, windows, or doors.
Health Issues Caused by Lead Exposure
Exposure to lead can cause several health issues in children. It can be a reason for kidney disorders, damage to the nervous system, and problems related to learning abilities. Children exposed to lead have been found to have attention problems and decreased intelligence. In other words, lead challenges the overall growth of the children, and they become vulnerable to behavioral issues and poor growth of muscles and bones.
Maryland Lead Laws and Regulations
In order to reduce the risks of lead poisoning in Maryland, the units where lead paint has ever been used are to be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). This department also provides educational material to reduce lead paint risks. The homeowners in Maryland have to comply with Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law.
Required Steps for Lead Risk Houses in Maryland
The laws in Maryland are aimed at the rental properties that are more likely to be occupied by young children. The following are the requirements landlords have to follow:
Lead Risk Reduction Standards for Rental Properties
The properties built before 1978 are required to comply with the risk reduction standards. These standards in Maryland are to protect tenants, especially young children. So, the landlord requires the following things:
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Lead Paint Inspection
The landlords who have properties built before 1978 must get them inspected before renting. The lead-based paint inspection includes a visual check of lead paint hazards. As the presence of dust can determine the risks of lead hazards.
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Certification of Lead-Free or Lead Safe
On the basis of the inspection, the property may get certified as “lead-free” or “lead-safe”. A property is considered lead-safe when the inspector doesn’t find any lead dust, paint chips, etc.
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Ongoing Maintenance
Even after getting a home certified as lead-safe, the owner must take essential steps to keep the place safe. Along with a regular cleaning there will be an ongoing maintenance to make sure that there is no deterioration of paint in the home.
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Notify the Tenants
Landlords are responsible for informing the tenants of all information about lead risk. It is better to provide the tenants with a pamphlet from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.
Abatement of Hazardous Lead
If hazardous lead is found in a property, the owner must take the necessary action to abate the lead. It is better to go for the permanent fixation of lead hazards. It can be done in the following way:
Removal of Lead-Based Paint
The best method is to replace the lead-based paint with a new paint. Anyhow, repainting the surface can also help to minimize the lead hazards for the time being.
Cleaning of Lead Dust
The experts can clean the dust with special techniques to prevent further lead exposure in the home.
Renovation of the Building
For the renovation of the building which have lead based paint used, it is betterto get it done by a certified lead renovation contractor according to the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule.
Is Lead-Based Paint Hazardous in All Conditions?
The lead-based paint is not hazardous if it is in good condition. If the paint is deteriorating and you can see the peeling, chalking, or any other sign of paint damage, then it can become hazardous.
It is the dust of the paint that causes harm, so be vigilant to check if there is regular rubbing on the paint area, as the friction can form dust. However, it is better to get lead testing to ensure a safe living environment.
In Summary
In Maryland, the property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their property is safe from the hazards of lead. To meet the requirements, it is better to get a lead paint inspection and take preventive measures accordingly.
This can help the people living in the homes have a safe life, especially the young children, who can be saved from the dangers of lead poisoning.
