As a tenant, if you suspect that your rental contains lead, you can get a lead hazard inspection to test your suspicions. When landlords have knowledge about lead but don’t disclose it, tenants who are harmed by lead, can sue their landlord for their damages (such as medical costs from lead poisoning).
Is it safe to live in an apartment with lead paint?
It is a good idea to avoid living in a place that has lead paint if you can help it. However, many people do live in places where the lead paint is in good condition, and they suffer no health effects from it. Do take the necessary precautions if you notice that the paint’s condition has changed.
Can you sue for lead exposure?
You might have the legal right to file a lawsuit or claim for compensation based on lead poisoning. ... Many attorneys working on behalf of the defense have proven strategies to divert responsibility to the victim’s family for the child’s lead poisoning caused by eating paint chips.
Is lead paint legal in California?
It is important to note that neither federal law nor California law requires the landlord to remove lead paint . ... Landlords must also give renters an EPA pamphlet regarding the dangers of lead based paint. The presence of lead based paint must be included in the lease of the property.
Do all homes before 1978 have lead paint?
No. Since 1970, lead paint has been banned from use in NSW . Lead paint may be present in homes constructed prior to 1970.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
- Developmental delay.
- Learning difficulties.
- Irritability.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Sluggishness and fatigue.
- Abdominal pain.
- Vomiting.
What do you do if you find lead in your apartment?
If you suspect or discover the presence of lead paint in your apartment, notify your landlord as soon as possible. Leases must also include a specific warning statement about lead-based paint.
How do you identify lead paint?
Chief among them is “ alligatoring ,” which happens when the paint starts to crack and wrinkle, creating a pattern that resembles reptilian scales. This is a sign that your paint may contain lead. Another sign that you might be dealing with lead paint is if it produces a chalky residue when it rubs off.
Can a homeowner remove lead paint in California?
While there is currently no law requiring California property owners to remove lead-based paint , there is legislature that requires landlords to present written disclosure to current and prospective tenants detailing the location of known lead-based paint in the building.
When did they stop using lead paint California?
Lead-based paint was banned in 1978 , but most homes in L.A. County were built before that, so many children are at risk just from crawling around their living rooms or playing in the yard.
Is Lead Paint considered hazardous waste?
California EPA requires that presumed (pre-1978) lead-based paint chips and dust be disposed of as hazardous waste . Everyone who handles lead-based paint debris should follow several common sense measures: ... Store larger lead-based painted building parts in containers until ready for disposal.
How do you tell if a toy has lead paint on it?
The only accurate way to test a toy for lead is by a certified laboratory . Do-it-yourself kits are available. However, these kits do not indicate how much lead is present and their reliability at detecting low levels of lead has not been determined.
Does painting over lead-based paint make it safe?
Yes, painting over lead paint is safe . It forms a barrier against the toxins in the lead paint. However, it’s only safe and effective if the lead paint’s old finish is in good condition. Also, you can’t just use any type of paint.
What is the safest way to remove lead paint?
LEAD-OUT® Paint Stripper is the safest most effective method of lead paint removal on the market, because it contains the dust, renders the paint waste non-hazardous, and takes the heavy labor out of the paint stripping for you.
Can I test myself for lead poisoning?
A simple blood test can detect lead poisoning . A small blood sample is taken from a finger prick or from a vein. Lead levels in the blood are measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). There is no safe blood level of lead.
