Lead-Based Paint

Most houses and buildings built before 1950 have had lead-based paint applied to the interior or exterior surfaces. In most cases, lead paint of this era contained up to 40% lead by weight. Paints made between 1950 and 1978 usually contained smaller amounts of lead. Lead paint that is in poor condition is known to be a potential hazard to small children and pregnant women.

In 1993, increasing concerns about exposure to lead paint during construction and renovation activities prompted OSHA to revise their Lead In Construction Standard to be more protective of workers engaged in such activities. The standard provides guidelines and work practices to minimize the generation and migration of lead-containing dust, establishes a permissible exposure limits for inhalation, and biological monitoring criteria.

• GW's Lead-Based Paint Program (PDF)
• Lead Disclosure Information
• Environmental Protection Agency - Lead Information (external link)
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration - Lead Information (external link)
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1025, Lead (external link)