Lead Hazards Regulation

On January 5, 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a health-based standard for lead in dust and soil (66 FR 1206).  The regulations took effect on March 6, 2001. 

While the rule does not compel owners to take any particular action or perform any specific abatement procedure, EPA states that it expects third parties, such as mortgage and insurance underwriters, to compel cleanup actions in accordance with the standards. 

The rule defines the term "lead-based paint hazard" to include:

1. deteriorated paint on a friction surface (such as a door or window);
2. lead in dust greater than or equal to 40 micrograms per foot (µg/ft) on floors or greater than or equal to 250 µg/ft on interior window sills; and
3. lead in soil in play areas exceeding 400 parts per million (ppm) by weight (based on the play area bare soil sample and an average of 1200 ppm in bare soil in the remainder of the yard.)