Lead Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to receive my lead-based paint discipline license? One to two weeks, depending on payment type and work load. ACH payments process quicker.
How do I protect my family from lead poisoning? If you live in housing built before 1978, have your children tested for lead; frequently clean floors, windowsills, and window frames with warm soapy water; wash your children’s hands often; wash your children’s toys often, especially those used on the floor or ground. Visit EPA’s website for more information.
How do I have myself or my child tested for lead? Contact your local health department or visit the Georgia Department of Public Health for more information.
How do I have my house tested for lead? Hire a Georgia-certified lead inspector or risk assessor. Check the EPA website for information and instructions on EPA-recognized test kits that can be purchased online or at hardware stores.
Where might I find lead in my house? Houses built before 1978, especially those built before 1950, may contain lead-based paint and other lead coatings such as varnishes and shellacs. Lead also may be found around your home in the soil; solder in plumbing and imported goods; foreign-made vinyl mini-blinds; imported candy; toys; cosmetics; glazed ceramic ware; certain folk or Ayurvedic remedies such as azarcon and greta; and paints used for traffic markings, bridges, steel structures and boats.
Can I pressure wash my house if it was built before 1978? Pressure washing is a restricted, not prohibited practice. Homeowners may pressure wash the house exterior with the pressure on a low setting. However, homeowners are responsible for maintaining containment of the wastewater and properly disposing of it. Paint chips left on the ground constitutes a violation of the Georgia Rules for Solid Waste. If a contractor is hired to pressure wash, he or she must be RRP certified and use lead safe work practices.
As a realtor/landlord, where can I get informational brochures or disclosure forms? Visit EPA’s website to download these and other publications. You must inform a buyer or tenant of any known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the house, provide records or reports about lead-based paint in the home, and include in the sales or lease contract a lead disclosure attachment that includes a lead warning statement and confirmation of compliance with all notification requirements.
When was lead paint banned? Lead was banned as a residential paint additive in 1978 by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Where can I find general information on lead? Contact the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD (5323) or visit the National Safety Council’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Outreach Program.