Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have some paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Properties before 1960 have the most lead paint. Lead paint can be present on any painted surface, but it is most often found on windows, trims, doors, railings, columns, porches and outside walls.

It is estimated that at least 19 million homes have lead-based paint hazards, of which at least 4 million have young children under age the age of six living in them. (HUD 1990; EPA 1995).

All sellers are required by law to make written disclosures to buyers regarding their knowledge of any lead-based paint hazards for homes built before 1978.

Florida does not require any licensing for the removal of lead based paint. The Florida Lead Information contact is in the Florida Department of Health's Toxicology Section at 850/488-3385. You may also wish to call the Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD (1-800-424-5323) to answer questions about federal requirements.

The City's lead law requires owners of multiple dwellings to repair all peeling, cracking, scaling, flaking, blistering, chipping, or lose in any manner paint. The law further requires owners of such buildings to inquire whether children under the age of seven reside in the building and to visually inspect their apartments for lead hazards once a year. Lead-based paint violations must be repaired using safe work practices, within the timeframes specified by law and HPD rules.

Find out from your local landfill or EPA office about the regulations of disposal for lead-based paint in your area.

If you live in a house built prior to 1978 you are required to give buyers the Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification/Certification (CLPPP FORM). This form is provided free of charge (like every other form) and is available in the clients section.

Lead-based paint can be found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These areas include: Porches and fences Children can also be exposed to lead dust by parents who work in lead related industries (lead foundry, car repairs, and lead related work). Parents working in these industries often bring home lead dust in their clothing or shoes and expose children to high levels of lead dust. A shower and change of clothes are recommended before coming home.

It is not recommended that the average homeowner attempt to correct their own lead-based paint problem, since it is very easy to make the problem worse instead of better. Many cases of lead poisoning are as a result of an inexperienced person attempting to abate a lead problem. It is often easiest to replace old doors, windows, trim, and other woodwork with new materials. The item should be wrapped in heavy plastic and kept away from children.

For publications/information about lead-based paint, contact the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-Lead or visit http://www.epa.gov/lead.

The only way to permanently reduce lead hazards is to remove or replace painted surfaces in a lead-safe manner. Never use a dry method like sanding or scraping to remove lead painted surfaces- this will create lead-contaminated dust. Repairing and/or maintaining painted surfaces (primarily windows, exteriors, and trim) will also reduce lead exposure.

If your house or building was built prior to 1978 chances are you have lead-based paint (LBP) issues. LBP was the best paint you could get, so it was used in good quality homes and commercial properties.

The amount of Lead-based paint in housing is significant. Tens of millions of housing units contain at least some lead-based paint. Children living in homes with lead-based paint can become exposed to that lead by directly eating chips of paint or by chewing on protruding painted surfaces.

You may begin work immediately after receiving a course completion certificate from an initial training course that is accredited by EPA. This certificate serves as interim certification for six months following completion of training. This gives you time to complete the certification process, including taking the 3rd Party Exam (if required for your discipline). However, if you do not pass the exam within 6 months your interim certification will expire and you won't be able to work.

The law requires you to disclose your knowledge of lead-based paint in homes build prior to 1978. The tax records will indicate the year your home was built and if necessary, we will email you the required disclosure documents and material.

Peeling or damaged paint is dangerous. Lead dust can be released from peeling or damaged paint, or by sanding or scraping paint in older homes. Lead dust settles on floors, window sills and other surfaces where it can get into children's mouthes. Lead paint in good condition is usually not a problem. Lead-based paint is usually safe unless it is on friction (doors, door jambs or door casings, windows, window frames and casings, paint on floors) or impact surfaces (doors, baseboards, stairs, etc.

Limewashes represent the best of both form and function. They're beautiful and breathable, making them the perfect choice for both historic and new buildings. Unlike typical modern paints, they don't trap water and they age beautifully--instead of getting shabby, they develop a lovely mellow patina over time.