NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
General Information
Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead (United States Environmental Protection Agency, Sep. 13, 2023)
This page provides information about potential sources of lead in:
- Older homes and buildings
- Soil, yards and playgrounds
- Dust
- Products
- Drinking water
- Jobs and hobbies
- Folk remedies
Healthy Household 101: The Dangers of Lead-Based Paint (National Center for Healthy Housing, Feb. 12, 2021)
“The only requirement for a lead paint hazard is that the home was constructed before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned by the government for use on residential market. Lead-based paint was slowly phased out over several decades, so homes built in the mid-1970s are less likely to have lead-based paint than those built in the mid-1960s, which are less likely than those built in the mid-1950s, and so on.”
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Information From NAR Legal Affairs
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Guidance (National Association of REALTORS®)
“…sellers must offer buyers a 10-day opportunity to test for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards, but they are not also required to agree to release buyers from the contract of sale if such testing identifies the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.”
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Guidance - EPA and HUD Enforcement (National Association of REALTORS®)
The U.S. EPA Compliance Assistance Program, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, How EPA Will Generate Enforcement Matters, EPA Compliance Inspections of Confidential Business Records, Sanctions and Penalties For Violations, Enforcement by HUD, and Regional Lead Contacts List.
Lead-Based Paint - HUD and EPA Responses to NAR's Compliance Questions (National Association of REALTORS®)
“In general, the Act requires that sellers of property built before 1978 disclose all known information about the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards on their premises. The regulations require a real estate licensee to inform sellers and lessors of their disclosure obligations and also insure that the seller or lessor complies with the requirements of the Act. Read more about the Act and the subsequent regulations here. [Included] is a summary of the Regulators' responses to NAR and IREM's questions.”
Lead-Based Paint - HUD and EPA Disclosure Regulations (National Association of REALTORS®)
“The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of Public Law 102-550) directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to jointly issue regulations requiring disclosure of certain information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in residential real estate transactions. After considerable delay, those regulations (which appear at 24 C.F.R. Part 35 and 40 C.F.R. Part 745) were issued in final form on March 6, 1996, and are summarized.”
Lead-Based Paint - Interpretive Disclosure Guidance for the Real Estate Community (National Association of REALTORS®)
“Subsequent to the publication of the final rule, EPA and HUD have received questions from the real estate community about implementation of the rule. EPA and HUD have developed this "Interpretive Guidance" document to supplement the information presented in the final rule. This guidance will be expanded and updated as necessary.”
Lead Paint Disclosure Requirements
Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home – Real Estate Disclosure Pamphlet (United States Environmental Protection Agency, Jun. 30, 2023)
Printable brochure available in multiple languages for distribution to clients.
Real Estate Disclosures about Potential Lead Hazards (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
Outlines one’s rights before buying or leasing a home, and one’s responsibilities before selling or leasing a home.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Section 1018 of Title X) (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
“This requires that potential buyers and renters of housing built prior to 1978 receive certain information about lead and lead hazards in the residence prior to becoming obligated to buy or rent, and provides the opportunity for an independent lead inspection for buyers. Sellers, landlords, and agents are responsible for compliance.”
Lead-Based Paint Abatement
How to Safely Remove Lead-Based Paint with Abatement Methods (The Balance, Sep. 30, 2019)
“Lead abatement requirements apply only in states and Indian jurisdictions without any authorized lead abatement program. EPA has posted this information on its website which may be accessed by visiting the Lead Professionals page or contacting the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD.”
Questions and Answers for Homeowners and Renters about Understanding Lead Inspections, Risk Assessments, and Abatements (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
“Sometimes, a local agency will direct abatement in a home. At other times, you may choose an abatement because you may feel that this is the best way to protect your children from lead exposure. Or, you may feel more comfortable having your lead-based paint abated rather than committing to long-term regular maintenance. Your risk assessor can help you decide among these options.”
Lead Paint Removal: How To, Options, and Costs (HouseLogic)
“If you have lead-based paint, you have several options for removal. Although some states allow you to do the work yourself, a contractor who is certified in lead paint removal is trained to do the job safely and will determine the best abatement strategy.”
Lead Abatement, Inspection, and Risk Assessment (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
“Lead abatement is an activity designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards. Abatement is sometimes ordered by a state or local government, and can involve specialized techniques not typical of most residential contractors.”
Useful Websites
Lead (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
Links to pages about safety, Renovation, Repair, & Painting (RRP) Program, abatement and evaluation, policy and guidance.
Lead Hotline: The National Lead Information Center (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
Provides the general public and professionals with information about lead hazards and their prevention.
HUD Office of Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control (United States Department of Housing & Urban Development)
Features information on lead paint disclosure, a list of insurers offering lead liability coverage, technical studies, information and outreach materials, an extensive collection of articles, and more.
CDC Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (United States Centers for Disease Control)
Includes lead FAQs, publications on health effects of lead, and a section of lead-related data & statistics.
Lead (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—National Institutes of Health)
Information on environmental health effects of lead.
Books, eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
The Complete Book of Home Inspection (eBook)
Inspect Before You Buy (Audiobook, eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
Brush with Death: A Social History of Lead Poisoning (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000) RA 1231 W37
Home Inspector's Guide to Training the Real Estate Professional: An Overview of the Home Inspection Process (Hurricane Press, 1998) HD 1341 Sh8h
REALTORS® Lead-Based Paint Compliance Guide (National Association of REALTORS®)
Lead-Based Paint Reference Guide (REALTOR® Store, Item #141-558)
Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home (REALTOR® Store, Item #141-40)
Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools (REALTOR® Store, Item #E141-4)
Have an idea for a real estate topic? Send us your suggestions.
The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.