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EPA Proposed Regulation Aimed at Lowering Lead Paint Exposure: Pre-1978 Buildings Likely to be Affected

07.19.2023

Although regulations banning certain levels of lead paint in residences have been in effect since 1978, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to extend these regulations by considering any amount of lead paint or dust present to be hazardous. If approved, this regulation could extend to buildings built before the 1978 lead paint ban and could require building owners to take on the significant obligation to adhere to such regulation. The Real Estate team at Morris, Manning, and Martin will continue to monitor the proposal and keep our clients up-to-date on any approved landowner obligations.

The current regulation calls 10 micrograms of lead dust per square foot hazardous for floors, and 100 micrograms for window sills. The proposed change would lower the hazardous threshold to any amount greater than zero, according to the statement.