LEAD PAINT FAQ
Have questions about lead paint inspections in New Jersey?
This FAQ covers everything property owners, landlords, and homeowners need to know — from state certification rules and testing methods to when a clearance inspection is required after renovation.
If your home predates 1978, there’s a higher probability of it containing lead-based paint. The federal government prohibited the consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978, with some states implementing bans even earlier. As a result, lead-based paint can still be found in countless homes, often concealed beneath more recent paint layers.
A certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor possesses the expertise to perform an inspection, determining the presence and location of lead-based paint within your home or specific areas of it. Under the new lead paint law, a NJDOH certified lead-based paint inspector/risk assessor working for a DCA permitted company can do the inspection for the lead safe certificates.
Post abatement/renovation clearance inspection is the process of verifying that a lead abatement or renovation project has been completed in accordance with all applicable regulations and that lead hazards have been effectively reduced or eliminated. This inspection is required by law before the building can be re-occupied.
Lead-based paint typically poses no immediate hazard when it remains in good condition and is not located on surfaces subject to impact or friction, such as windows. However, deteriorating lead-based paint, characterized by peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, or damage, becomes a significant hazard and requires prompt attention. When lead-based paint is disturbed, either through scraping, sanding, or heating, it can generate lead dust. Additionally, friction between painted surfaces can also create lead dust. These lead chips and dust particles can settle on surfaces and objects that people come into contact with, increasing the risk of lead exposure.
Lead is an exceptionally toxic metal capable of triggering various health issues, particularly in young children. When the body absorbs lead, it can lead to damage in crucial organs, including the brain, kidneys, nerves, and blood. This underscores the severity of lead exposure and the importance of preventing it, especially among children who are most vulnerable to its harmful effects.
