Why should we be concerned about Lead? Exposure
to lead in paint, dust or soil is known to have both short and long term
negative effects on the health of children, causing learning disabilities,
decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing, brain damage, and even
death. Exposure in adults may result in damage to the kidneys, the central
nervous system in general, and the brain in particular, and to the reproductive
system. Children born of a parent who has been exposed to excessive levels
of lead are more likely to have birth defects, mental retardation or behavioral
disorders, or to die during the first year of childhood. Of 41,418 Wisconsin
children under 6 years of age screened for lead from July 1, 1994 through
June 30, 1995, 25% tested positive for lead in their blood. Any knowledge
of existing lead in paint, soil or water must now be disclosed to home buyers
and renters!
Are there any real estate contract considerations with
lead? If a lead Risk Assessment
is planned, you should have a contingency written into the
contract that will give you the right to default if unacceptable lead hazards
are found. Also make certain it is clear whose responsibility it is to clean
up the house if a lead problem is found. Lead is especially dangerous when
it becomes airborne. This can become a serious problem when remodeling or
demolition takes place, especially when children are present. When people
with young children are buying a house and planning such a project, they
need to be informed of this fact.
Federal Lead
Based Paint Rules
What you should know about
Lead Based Paint
Home