Are you buying a house in the near future? If so, it is important to be aware of any potential lead hazards in your home.
Lead poisoning can be a serious risk to your health if the toxic metal seeps and accumulates into a person’s bloodstream. It can damage both the brain and spinal cord, causing behavioral problems and mental disability in young children. Lead poisoning can also cause kidney problems, seizures, and infertility in adults.
The good news is that lead poisoning is 100% preventable if you take the proper precautions. One of the most important steps you can take is to ask for a lead warning statement before buying a home.
We want to help educate people about lead poisoning and preventative measures. This article will inform you on what a lead warning statement is, why one is needed, and the steps to help you get one.
A Federal Law Requires Lead Warning Statement On Houses Built Before 1978
Federal law requires that sellers provide potential buyers with certain disclosures if any dwelling unit in a multi-unit building was built before 1978. This law is called the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Act, and it mandates that all sellers of homes dated before 1978 provide potential buyers with a lead warning statement.
What Is A Lead Warning Statement?
A lead warning statement is a document that discloses any known lead hazards in a home. The statement must include the location of any lead-based paint, potential lead-based paint hazards, and guidance on how to get more information if necessary.
There are three lead warning statement documents, each with its own purpose:
Lead Warning Statement For Residential Properties:
This statement is required if your potential property was built before 1978 and contains lead-based paint. It discloses any information about known or suspected lead-based paint hazards in the home.Lead-Based Paint Inspection Report:
If an inspection of the property reveals the presence of lead-based paint, the seller must provide you with this report. It will list all areas of the property that contain lead-based paint and the current condition of the materials.Lead Hazard Reduction Certification:
If the lead-based paint has been successfully mitigated, the seller must provide you with a certificate to prove so. It will state that all known lead-based hazards have been reduced to safe levels.
The statement is not an accusation that the property is unsafe, but it is meant to provide potential buyers with as much information as possible so they can make an informed decision.
Why You Need a Lead Warning Statement
As mentioned earlier, lead poisoning is preventable if you take the proper precautions. A lead warning statement is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
There are several reasons why you should ask for a lead warning statement before buying a home:
- You want to know if there is any lead-based paint in the home. If so, you will then be able to do everything possible to reduce any potential hazards.
- It serves as an official record of all known lead-based hazards in the home and can come in handy if you decide to sell the property in the future.
- If any lead-based paint is present, the statement will tell you where it is and what condition it is in. This information can help you make informed decisions about your health and safety.
How to Get A Lead Warning Statement
If you are in the market for a new home, it is important to ask your seller for a lead warning statement. If they do not provide one, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
You can also get a lead warning statement by contacting your state or local health department, as they can help you get in touch with the appropriate parties to acquire the statement.
It is important to remember that a lead warning statement is not a home inspection. If you want to have your property inspected for lead-based paint, you should contact a qualified inspector.
Who Should Get A Lead Warning Statement?
Everyone who is considering buying a home should get a lead warning statement, regardless of whether they have children. A child could accidentally ingest paint chips that contain lead, but it is also possible for adults to be poisoned by lead if they frequently come into contact with it.
What Should I Look For In A Lead Warning Statement?
Not all lead warning statements are created equal. Therefore, it is important to know what to look for before buying a home.
Some details you should pay attention to include:
- Location of any known lead hazards in the home, such as paint chips or peeling paint
- Recent property testing for lead and its results
- Age of the home and any renovations that have taken place
- Presence of lead in drinking water
If you are unsure about what to look for, you can always ask your real estate agent or realtor to explain it to you in further detail.
What If A Home Contains Lead Hazards?
If a home contains lead hazards, you can do a few things to minimize your risk of exposure:
- Have the property tested for lead and get the results in writing
- Remove any lead hazards you find, such as paint chips or peeling paint
- Use a sealant to cover any lead-based paint that is still in good condition
- Drink only bottled or filtered water
If you cannot fix the lead hazards yourself, you may need to hire a professional to do it.
In Closing
It is important to be aware of potential risks before you buy a home so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not the property is right for you. By requesting a lead warning statement from the seller, you can be sure that you are fully aware of any potential dangers in the property.
At ZOTApro, we want to help keep you and your family healthy and safe. That’s why we provide homeowners with information about lead poisoning, including why getting a lead warning statement is recommended. If you’d like more information on the subject, contact us today.
