Summer is the perfect season for home improvement projects. Bright skies and warm weather make repairs and renovations easier to manage. However, summer renovations bring an overlooked risk for families living in older homes—exposure to lead-based paint.
If you’re embarking on a remodel or your landlord has scheduled repairs, it’s important to understand the potential dangers of lead exposure, how to minimize risk, and what legal recourse you have if your safety is compromised. Taking these precautions can protect your family from long-term harm during the summer renovation season.
The Hidden Danger in Older Homes
Lead was a common ingredient in paints used for homes, schools, and other buildings for decades. It wasn’t until 1978 that lead-based paint was banned for residential use in the U.S. If your home was built before this year, there’s a significant chance it contains traces of lead paint.
The problem arises when renovations or repairs disturb this paint. Sanding, scraping, drilling, or even replacing windows can release dangerous lead dust and chips, contaminating your living space.
Why Lead Is a Serious Health Hazard
Lead exposure can have devastating health effects, particularly on children and pregnant women. Unlike some hazards you can see or smell, lead poisoning is often invisible until severe damage has already occurred. Here's why you need to take it seriously:
- Children are most vulnerable. Lead exposure can damage developing brains and nervous systems, leading to reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. Even small amounts of lead can have long-lasting effects.
- Pregnant women face risks, too. Lead can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, potentially causing premature birth or developmental delays.
- Adults aren't immune. Prolonged lead exposure can cause health issues, including high blood pressure, kidney damage, and memory loss.
Renovation Risks in Summer
Summer is a popular time for major housing projects, as the warm weather provides ideal conditions for painting, window replacement, plumbing repairs, and more. Unfortunately, these activities can disturb lead-based paint, making a home improvement project a health hazard.
Types of Renovations That Trigger Lead Hazards
- Sanding or scraping painted surfaces constantly releases fine lead dust into the air.
- Replacing old windows can dislodge paint chips and release concealed dust.
- Demolishing or cutting walls coated with lead paint can send particles flying.
Without proper caution, these projects can contaminate the air inside your home or leave lead particles on surfaces where your family eats, plays, and sleeps.
Summer Conditions Make It Worse
Lead dust often clings to indoor air or settles on floors and furniture. With windows and doors constantly open in summer for ventilation, outdoor breezes can spread lead particles even further, increasing exposure to surrounding areas.
How Families Can Protect Themselves
Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, there are actionable steps you can take to safeguard your family from lead exposure during renovations.
1. Identify Lead Hazards in Your Home
If your home was built before 1978, assume lead-based paint might be present. A professional lead inspection or risk assessment can confirm areas of concern. Many housing authorities offer free or subsidized testing programs for qualifying families.
2. Follow Best Practices During Renovations
Lead exposure isn’t inevitable during repairs, but it requires careful planning. Here’s what to insist on:
- Hire certified professionals. Federal law requires contractors working on homes with lead-based paint to be certified under the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. These contractors are trained to minimize lead contamination.
- Use proper containment methods. Projects should include steps like sealing off work areas with plastic sheeting, keeping windows closed in work zones, and using HEPA-filter vacuums for cleanup.
- Avoid DIY projects in lead-risk areas. Sanding floors or other projects you attempt yourself could unintentionally endanger your family. Leave high-risk work to trained professionals.
3. Communicate with Your Landlord or Contractor
If you rent your home, and renovations are planned, your landlord is legally obligated to notify you if lead-based paint could be disturbed. Be proactive. Ask questions about safety protocols they will follow. Request proof that contractors handling the job are EPA-certified.
4. Protect Your Family’s Living Spaces
Take extra precautions to limit exposure during ongoing renovations:
- Keep children and pets out of work areas.
- Wash hands and toys frequently to remove lead particles.
- Use disposable shoe covers to prevent tracking dust through the house.
- Temporarily relocate if necessary, especially if large-scale demolition or sanding is underway.
What If You Were Exposed?
Unfortunately, not all landlords or contractors take the steps required to protect families from lead hazards. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to lead during renovations, prioritize health and legal action immediately.
Act Quickly to Protect Health
- Get blood tests. Especially for young children, doctors can check blood lead levels to assess exposure.
- Clean thoroughly. Use damp cloths to wipe surfaces and mop floors. Dry dusting or sweeping can spread lead particles further.
- Check for community resources. Some areas offer free lead testing kits, home inspections, or temporary housing for affected families.
Legal Options if Negligence Was a Factor
Landlords and contractors have a legal duty to protect tenants and homeowners from lead exposure risks. If they neglected this responsibility, you may have grounds to take legal action:
- Document the conditions. Take photos or videos of unsafe work practices, such as a lack of containment barriers during sanding or unqualified workers on the job.
- File a complaint. Contact your local housing authority or environmental protection agency to report unsafe practices.
- Consult an attorney. An experienced attorney can help you determine whether your family is entitled to compensation for medical bills, temporary housing costs, or emotional distress caused by unsafe conditions.
Lead Poisoning Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA
Are you planning a renovation this summer and feeling overwhelmed by the potential hazards of lead in your home? Riley Ersoff in Beverly Hills specializes in personal injury cases and can help you navigate the legal obligations and rights concerning lead exposure. We are dedicated to supporting your journey towards a safer home environment and ensuring your family’s health is a top priority. Reach out to us today at (888) 658-9695 for a consultation and let our team assist you in managing risks and achieving peace of mind during your renovation projects.
