Get the Lead Out! What You Should Know about Lead Paint

First-time homebuyers have enough on their minds without having to worry about lead. Under the federal lead disclosure law, homebuyers are entitled to test for the presence of lead paint in homes built before 1978.

And, prior to selling an older home, the seller must disclose any known presence of lead—it's the law! Home sellers or landlords of homes built prior to 1978, must do the following for homebuyers or tenants:

• Provide an EPA-approved information pamphlet on lead-based paint hazards.
• Disclose any known information concerning lead-based paint on the property to be sold or rented.
• Include an attachment to the sales contract or lease with a Lead Warning Statement and confirm that the seller or landlord has complied with all notification requirements.
• Provide homebuyers a 10-day period of opportunity to conduct a paint inspection or risk assessment.

HUD is committed to eliminating childhood lead poisoning by 2010. A 10-year strategy to eliminate childhood lead paint poisoning, penned by HUD and published by the President's Task Force, marked the first time that all three federal agencies (HUD, EPA, and the CDC) have worked together in a coordinated effort to address the hidden dangers posed by lead and other common household contaminants.

In 2003, the CDC awarded $31.7 million to 42 state and local health departments to help develop and install lead poisoning prevention programs. To find a childhood lead poisoning prevention program (CLPPP) in your area, please visit CLPP Programs.