Apartment owners: new federal law on lead-based paint takes effect April 22, 2010

Beginning in April of next year, the EPA will require owners of market-rate properties built before 1978 to comply with lead safety requirements that until now have only been required for properties receiving federal assistance. The new law governs renovation activities such as cutting, demolition and sanding which can cause hazardous lead chips and dust by disturbing underlying lead paint. The law is the result of studies showing that 75% of all housing built before 1978 has lead-based paint. Higher levels of lead-based paint in the blood have now been linked to an increase in violent behavior. The EPA will not be notifying owners directly but is providing educational outreach through trade associations. Learn More > > >