Get Form L 06

New Lead-Based Paint Standards. As of December 1, 2021, the citywide lead-based paint standard is: 0.5 mg/cm2 or 0.25% by weight. For more information about the new standards, review the new requirement guidance for lead in paint (PDF), or email safework@health.nyc.gov with the subject "New lead in paint standards".

Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly. Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces. Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.

Adults exposed to lead paint can suffer from high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, diminished motor skills, fatigue and memory loss. Even small levels of exposure to lead paint can harm adults.

Local Law 1 requires landlords to use firms certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency when disturbing more than 100 square feet of lead paint, replacing windows, or fixing violations issued by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

First you'll need a lead test kit. I use the 3M LeadCheck Swabs, they're very cheap and super simple to use. Buy a few packs if you have lots of vintage decor like I do. Follow the directions on the package, but the basic gist is this: if the swab rubs red, it has lead paint.

Answer: The older your home, the more likely it contains lead-based paint. For example, 87% of homes built before 1940 have some lead-based paint, while 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 have some lead-based paint.

Lead-based paints were banned for residential use in 1978. Homes built in the U.S. before 1978 are likely to have some lead-based paint. When the paint peels and cracks, it makes lead paint chips and dust.

Is it safe to paint over lead paint? Yes, you can start painting over lead paint and it's safe. It forms a barrier against the toxins in the lead paint. However, it's only safe and effective if the lead paint's old finish is in good condition.