LEAD PAINT WARNING!

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME*Simple Steps To Protect Your 
Family From Lead Hazards*If you think your home has high levels of lead:
*  Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.  
*  Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.   
*  Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods.  
*  Get your home checked for lead hazards.   
*  Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.   
*  Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.   
*  Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.   
*  Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or     
renovating (call 1-800-424-LEAD for guidelines).   
*  Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper     
on painted surfaces that may contain lead.   
*  Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.ARE YOU 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 
poseserious health hazards if not taken care of properly. By 1996, 
federal lawwill require that individuals receive certain information 
before renting,buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing:LANDLORDS will 
have to disclose known information on lead-based painthazards before 
leases take effect. Leases will include a federal form aboutlead-based 
paint. SELLERS will have to disclose known information on lead-based 
paint hazardsbefore selling a house. Sales contracts will include a 
federal form aboutlead-based paint in the building. Buyers will have 
up to 10 days to checkfor lead hazards.RENOVATORS will have to give you 
this pamphlet before starting work.If you want more information on these 
requirements, call the National LeadInformation Clearinghouse at 
1-800-424-LEAD.
You can also call Trish or Chuck  to get information and a copy of the
lead paint disclosure.
This document is in the public domain. It may be reproduced by anindividual 
or organization without permission. Information provided in thisbooklet is 
based upon current scientific and technical understanding of the issues 
presented and is reflective of the jurisdictional boundaries established 
by the statutes governing the co-authoring agencies. Followingthe advice 
given will not necessarily provide complete protection in allsituations or 
against all health hazards that can be caused by leadexposure.IMPORTANT!
*Lead From Paint, Dust, and Soil Can Be Dangerous If Not Managed Properly
*FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they 
areborn.FACT: Even children that seem healthy can have high levels of lead 
in theirbodies.FACT: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or 
swallowing leaddust, or by eating soil or paint chips with lead in them.
FACT: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases,
lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.
FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to 
your family.If you think your home might have lead hazards, read this 
pamphlet to learnsome simple steps to protect your family.
LEAD GETS IN THE BODY IN MANY WAYS*1 out of every 11 children in the 
United States has dangerous levels oflead in the bloodstream.
**Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead.
*People can get lead in their body if they:   
*  Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.  
*  Eat paint chips or soil that contain lead.   
*  Breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb     
painted surfaces).
Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because:   
*  Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in     
their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.   
*  Children's growing bodies absorb more lead.   
*  Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the     
damaging effects of lead. Lead's EffectsIf not detected early, children 
with high levels of lead in their bodiescan suffer from:   
*  Damage to the brain and nervous system   
*  Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity)   
*  Slowed growth   
*  Hearing problems   
*  HeadachesLead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:   
*  Difficulties during pregnancy   
*  Other reproductive problems (in both men and women)   
*  High blood pressure   
*  Digestive problems   
*  Nerve disorders   
*  Memory and concentration problems   
*  Muscle and joint pain
*Lead affects the body in many ways.
*CHECKING YOUR FAMILY FOR LEAD
*Get your children tested if you think your home has high levels of lead.
*A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. 
Blood tests are important for:   
*  Children who are 6 months to 1 year old (6 months if you live in an     
older home that might have lead in the paint).   
*  Family members that you think might have high levels of lead.
If your child is older than 1 year, talk to your doctor about whether 
yourchild needs testing.Your doctor or health center can do blood tests. 
They are inexpensive andsometimes free. Your doctor will explain what 
the test results mean.Treatment can range from changes in your diet to 
medication or a hospitalstay.WHERE LEAD-BASED PAINT IS FOUND*In general, 
the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint.Many homes 
built before 1978 have lead-based paint. In 1978, the federalgovernment 
banned lead-based paint from housing. Lead can be found:   
*  In homes in the city, country, or suburbs.   
*  In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public     
housing.   
*  Inside and outside of the house.   
*  In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or    
 other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.)
WHERE LEAD IS LIKELY TO BE A HAZARD*Lead from paint chips, which you 
can see, and lead dust, which you can'talways see, can both be serious 
hazards.
*Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard.Peeling,
 chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs 
immediate attention.Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on 
surfaces that childrencan chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These 
areas include:  
 *  Windows and window sills.   
*  Doors and door frames.   
*  Stairs, railings, and banisters.   
*  Porches and fences.Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry 
scraped, dry sanded, orheated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces 
bump or rub together. Leadchips and dust can get on surfaces and objects 
that people touch. Settledlead dust can reenter the air when people vacuum, 
sweep, or walk throughit.Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in 
bare soil or when peoplebring soil into the house on their shoes. Call your 
state agency (seebelow) to find out about soil testing for lead.
CHECKING YOUR HOME FOR LEAD HAZARDS*Just knowing that a home has lead-based 
paint may not tell you if there isa hazard.*You can get your home checked 
for lead hazards in one of two ways, or both:   
*  A paint inspection tells you the lead content of every painted     
surface in your home. It won't tell you whether the paint is a hazard     
or how you should deal with it.   
*  A risk assessment tells you if there are any sources of serious lead     
exposure (such as peeling paint and lead dust). It also tells you what     
actions to take to address these hazards.Have qualified professionals do 
the work. The federal government is writingstandards for inspectors and 
risk assessors. Some states might already havestandards in place. Call your 
state agency for help with locating qualifiedprofessionals in your area 
(see below).Trained professionals use a range of methods when checking your 
home,including:   *  Visual inspection of paint condition and location.   
*  Lab tests of paint samples.   
*  Surface dust tests.   
*  A portable x-ray fluorescence machine.Home test kits for lead are 
available, but the federal government is stilltesting their reliability. 
These tests should not be the only method usedbefore doing renovations 
or to assure safety.WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILYIf you 
suspect that your house has lead hazards, you can take someimmediate 
steps to reduce your family's risk:   
*  If you rent, notify your landlord 
of peeling or chipping paint.   
*  Clean up paint chips immediately.   
*  Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly.     
Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner     
or a cleaner made specifically for lead. REMEMBER: NEVER MIX AMMONIA     
AND BLEACH PRODUCTS TOGETHER SINCE THEY CAN FORM A DANGEROUS GAS.   
*  Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty     
areas.   
*  Wash children's hands often, especially before they eat and 
before     nap time and bed time.   
*  Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, 
pacifiers, toys, and stuffed     animals regularly.   
*  Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.   
*  Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in     
lead from soil.   
*  Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and     
calcium, such as spinach and low-fat dairy products. Children with     
good diets absorb less lead.
HOW TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE LEAD HAZARDS
*Removing lead improperly can increase the hazard to your family byspreading 
even more lead dust around the house.
**Always use a professional who is trained to remove lead hazards safely.
*In addition to day-to-day cleaning 
and good nutrition:   
*  You can temporarily reduce lead hazards by taking actions like     
repairing damaged painted surfaces and planting grass to cover soil    
 with high lead levels. These actions (called "interim controls") are    
 not permanent solutions and will not eliminate all risks of exposure.  
 *  To permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a lead "abatement"    
 contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods     
include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special     
materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is not     
enough.Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead
problems--someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the 
properequipment to clean up thoroughly. If possible, hire a certified 
leadabatement contractor. Certified contractors will employ qualified 
workersand follow strict safety rules as set by their state or by the 
federalgovernment.Call your state agency (see below) for help with locating 
qualifiedcontractors in your area and to see if financial assistance is 
available.REMODELING OR RENOVATING A HOME WITH LEAD-BASED PAINT
*If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead
from paint and dust into the air.*Take precautions before you begin 
remodeling or renovations that disturbpainted surfaces (such as scraping 
off paint or tearing out walls):   
*  Have the area tested for lead-based paint.   
*  Do not use a dry scraper, belt-sander, propane torch, or heat gun to     
remove lead-based paint. These actions create large amounts of lead     
dust and fumes. Lead dust can remain in your home long after the work     
is done.   *  Temporarily move your family (especially children and 
pregnant women)     out of the apartment or house until the work is 
done and the area is     properly cleaned. If you can't move your family, 
at least completely     seal off the work area.   
*  Follow other safety measures to reduce lead hazards. You can find out    
 about other safety measures by calling 1-800-424-LEAD. Ask for the     
brochure "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home." This     
brochure explains what to do before, during, and after renovations.
If you have already completed renovations or remodeling that could 
havereleased lead-based paint or dust, get your young children tested and
follow the steps outlined above in this brochure.OTHER SOURCES OF LEAD
*While paint, dust, and soil are the most common lead hazards, other 
leadsources also exist.*   
*  Drinking water. Your home might have plumbing 
with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water 
supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell, 
or taste lead,and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you 
think your plumbing might have lead in it: 
       o  Use only cold water for drinking and cooking.        
o  Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before 
drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few 
hours.   
*  The job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands     
or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your     
clothes separately from the rest of your family's.   
*  Old painted toys and furniture.   
*  Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or     
porcelain.  
 *  Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air.   
*  Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or     
refinishing furniture.   
*  Folk remedies that contain lead, such as "greta" and "azarcon" used     
to treat an upset stomach. FOR MORE INFORMATIONThe National Lead Information 
CenterCall 1-800-LEAD-FYI to learn how to protect children from lead 
poisoning.
For other information on lead hazards, call the center's clearinghouse 
at1-800-424-LEAD. 
For the hearing impaired, call, TDD 1-800-526-5456 (FAX:202-659-1192, 
Internet: EHC@CAIS.COM).EPA's Safe Drinking Water HotlineCall 1-800-426-4791 
for information about lead in drinking water.
Consumer Product Safety Commission HotlineTo request information on 
lead in consumer products, or to report an unsafeconsumer product or 
a product-related injury call 1-800-638-2772.(Internet: info@cpsc.gov). 
For the hearing impaired, call TDD1-800-638-8270.
STATE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCIESSome cities and states have their 
own rules for lead-based paintactivities. 
Check with your state agency (listed below) to see if state or
local laws apply to you. Most state agencies can also provide information
on finding a lead abatement firm in your area, and on possible sources of
financial aid for reducing lead hazards.State/Region Phone Number
Alabama 
(205) 242-5661
Alaska (907) 465-5152
Arkansas (501) 661-2534
Arizona (602) 542-7307
California (510) 450-2424
Colorado (303) 692-3012
Connecticut (203) 566-5808
Washington, DC (202) 727-9850
Delaware (302) 739-4735
Florida (904) 488-3385
Georgia (404) 657-6514
Hawaii (808) 832-5860
Idaho (208) 332-5544I
llinois (800) 545-2200
Indiana (317) 382-6662
Iowa (800) 972-2026
Kansas (913) 296-0189
Kentucky (502) 564-2154
Louisiana (504) 765-0219
Massachusetts (800) 532-9571
Maryland (410) 631-3859
Maine (207) 287-4311
Michigan (517) 335-8885
Minnesota (612) 627-5498
Mississippi (601) 960-7463
Missouri (314) 526-4911
Montana (406) 444-3671
Nebraska (402) 471-2451
Nevada (702) 687-6615
New Hampshire (603) 271-4507
New Jersey (609) 633-2043
New Mexico (505) 841-8024 or (505) 792 7632 Trish
New York (800) 458-1158
North Carolina (919) 715-3293
North Dakota (701) 328-5188
Ohio (614) 466-1450
Oklahoma (405) 271-5220
Oregon (503) 248-5240
Pennsylvania (717) 782-2884
Rhode Island (401) 277-3424
South Carolina (803) 935-7945
South Dakota (605) 773-3153
Tennessee (615) 741-5683
Texas (512) 834-6600
Utah (801) 536-4000
Vermont (802) 863-7231
Virginia (800) 523-4019
Washington (206) 753-2556
West Virginia (304) 558-2981
Wisconsin (608) 266-5885
Wyoming (307) 777-7391
EPA REGIONAL OFFICESYour Regional EPA Office can provide further 
information regardingregulations and lead protection programs.
EPA Regional OfficesRegion 1 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, 
New Hampshire, Rhode Island,Vermont)John F. Kennedy Federal Building
One Congress StreetBoston, MA 02203(617) 565-3420Region 2 (New Jersey, 
New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) Building 52890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679(908) 321-6671Region 3 (Delaware, Washington DC, 
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, WestVirginia)841 Chestnut Building
Philadelphia, PA 19107(215) 597-9800Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, 
Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina,South Carolina, Tennessee)345 
Courtland Street, NEAtlanta, GA 30365(404) 347-4727Region 5 
(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin)77 West 
Jackson BoulevardChicago, IL 60604-3590(312) 886-6003Region 6 
(Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) First
Interstate Bank Tower1445 Ross Avenue, 12th Floor, Suite 1200 Dallas, 
TX 75202-2733(214) 665-7244Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) 
726 Minnesota AvenueKansas City, KS 66101(913) 551-7020Region 8 
(Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming)
999 18th Street, Suite 500Denver, CO 80202-2405(303) 293-1603
Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada) 75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105(415) 744-1124Region 10 (Idaho, Oregon, Washington, 
Alaska) 1200 Sixth AvenueSeattle, WA 98101(206) 553-1200CPSC REGIONAL 
OFFICESEastern Regional Center6 World Trade CenterVesey Street, Room 350
New York, NY 10048(212) 466-1612Central Regional Center230 South Dearborn 
StreetRoom 2944Chicago, IL 60604-1601(312) 353-8260Western Regional Center
600 Harrison Street, Room 245San Francisco, CA 94107(415) 744-2966

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