Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control

Important Facts


  • Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.
  • Even children that seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies
  • People can get lead in their body by breathing or swallowing dust, or by eating soil or paint chips that contain lead.
  • People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.
  • Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. If you think your home might have lead hazards, read the following information to learn some simple steps to protect your family.

If You Are Planning to Buy, Rent, or Renovate a Home Built Before 1978


Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.

Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting, buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing.

Landlords


Landlords will have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases will include a federal form about lead-based paint.

Sellers


Sellers will have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before selling a house.

Renovators


Renovators will have to give you a lead-based paint information pamphlet before starting to work on homes.

Where Lead is Likely to Be a Hazard


  • Paint chips
  • Lead-based paint: Lead-based paint may be present on surfaces included but not limited to: windows, window sills, door, door frames, stairs, railing, banisters, porches, and fences
  • Lead dust (not always apparent): Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or heated. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch.

Checking Your Family for Lead


Get your child tested if you think your home has high levels of lead. A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. If your child is older than 1 year, talk to your doctor about whether your child needs testing.

The City of Inglewood is currently implementing lead hazard control activities through its First-time Homebuyer and Housing Rehabilitation programs.

Also, the City offers education and training in lead relation construction to certified contractors. Training is held once a year and is administered by experts in the field of environmental construction.

Additional Information


For more information on the City's efforts to abate lead and for brochures on lead-based paint, contact:
City of Inglewood
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Division
1 Manchester Boulevard
7th Floor
Inglewood, CA 90301
310-412-8844

Contact the Regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) located at:
Regional Environmental Protection Agency
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
800-424-5323

Lead Resources