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Lead Paint Information
Home Inspector NJ
New Jersey Home Inspections
New Jersey Anti Lead Paint Law
On Jan 4, 2008 New Jersey Governor Corzine signed a new law limiting human exposure to lead poisoning. The law requires landlords
of single and two family homes to have inspections every five years for lead based paint, and make proper correction of the hazardous
conditions. If lead based paint is ingested or inhaled at high levels it can lead to brain damage and reduced motor skills, especially
in young children. The law will be enforced by the New Jersey Dept of Community Affairs.
If units are found to have hazardous lead
based paint and not remediate, the first violation will carry up to a $500 fine. Continuing violations carry a maximum penalty of
$5000. Landlords can hire a inspection company to perform the testing. For more information on lead poisoning prevention See: state.nj,us/dca/dcr/leadsafe/.
Exposure
Lead-based paints were used in many homes prior to its banning by the federal government in 1978. Lead-based paints, as the name implies,
contains lead. Many documented cases of lead poisoning can be attributed to lead contamination resulting from the degradation of such
paints. Lead-based paints in good condition pose little risk but those that begin to peel, chip, chalk, or crack do pose a health
risk.
As lead-based paint products degrade lead can be released into the surrounding environment in the form of dust. Lead dust can
also be formed and become airborne when lead-based paint is sanded or scrapped. Painted surfaces when rubbed together can also produce
lead dust. The lead dust can settle and then become airborne again when disturbed by sweeping, vacuuming, or just walking through
a contaminated area. Chips of paint flaking off of exterior surfaces can even cause ground contamination.
Health Risks
Lead poisoning
can occur when lead is ingested if inhaled and the concentration of lead in the body will grow over time with continued exposure.
Physical symptoms of lead poisoning in children can include: damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems,
slowed physical development, hearing problems, and chronic headaches. Adults are also affected and can have: difficulties during pregnancy,
reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint
pain.
Dealing with Lead-Based Paints in Your Home
It is sometimes better to just assume that if your home was build prior to 1980
that is contains lead based paints (Even though lead-based paints were banned in 1978, it is certain that some builders and paint
supplies continued to sell and use existing stocks beyond that date). The Housing and Urban Development department of the federal
government (HUD) has a 16 page brochure giving tips on dealing with lead paint.
For additional info contact DM Home Inspections
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