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Getting the Lead on Lead!
What property owners must do to comply

New Disclosure Requirements

Effective September 6^th, 1996 the first phase of the long awaited EPAand HUD Real Estate Notification and Disclosure rules became effective. After that date property owners of "target housing" are required to disclose to buyers or leasors any information regarding the known presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in their housing. This rule is effective for any property owner having four or more dwelling units which meet the definition of target housing. Target housing includes most private housing, public housing, housing receiving Federal assistance, and Federally owned housing built before 1978. By year-end any property owner, regardless of the number of dwellings owned, will be required to comply with these regulations.

Under the disclosure rules the owner must distribute to the buyer/renter the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home. Warning language is required to be added to contracts verifying that all requirements under this standard have been met. Buyers are also afforded a 10-day opportunity to have houses tested for lead (the cost of testing is to be negotiated with the property owner).

Tools for Lead testing & more!

The Argus Group now has available many products for use in lead testing, such as the LeadAlert or Pacescan test kits. We also can provide Respiratory and Personal Protective Equipment for both building inspectors and remediation contractors, and HEPA vacuums for clean-up requirements. Rental units are available for the Pacescan systems, PAPR’s, air sampling pumps and possibly HEPA vacuum equipment. The Argus Group can also provide training services to business operators who are interested in becoming trained as an EPA/HUD building inspector or contractor, as well as training for compliance with the OSHA lead in construction standards.

For those who are interested in learning more about this requirement, please contact Tim Kearney at the Argus Group for copy’s of the EPA and HUD Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule - Questions and Answers, or contact the National Lead Information Center (1-800-LEAD-FYI) flyers.

Article Contributed by:

Timothy J. Kearney, CSP
Vice President, Argus Group

Article Provided by: The Argus Group

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