On several occasions I have sold older homes. Many laypersons do not realize that if a home (including mobile homes) was built prior to 1978, it is mandatory that the buyers receive a lead-based paint addendum in their purchase offer and also receive a copy of the brochure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) titled: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home. Often when buyers purchase/lease a home directly from a seller/landlord with no trained and licensed real estate professional involved in the transaction, the law is not followed. As a result, future problems can occur.
When lead-based paint chips or dust are ingested by children or unknowing adults, serious consequences can be the result. The EPA says that the following health issues be caused by exposure to lead:
If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
- Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
- High blood pressure and hypertension
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
I love to watch "This Old House" on PBS each week. Often they are remodelling a home that is hundreds of years old. When these homes contain lead-based paint, it is amazing the lengths they have to go to in order to remove the paint and protect themselves during the removal process.
So when you are purchasing a home that was built before 1978, make sure that your real estate professional or the owner obeys regulations and gives you the required brochure and attaches the necessary addendum to your contract. These addenda usually also give you the right to have the home tested for the presence of lead if you choose to do so during your inspection periods. Check your purchase agreement for specific details.
If you would like to download a copy of this brochure right now, you can do so by clicking on the following link to see a color Adobe Acrobat PDF version: Download Lead Information Brochure
I also advise you to visit the EPA's website where you can find a lot of information about lead-based paint, the dangers it presents, ways to do a safe remodelling job on your home, etc. Their site can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/lead/
I hope that you will find this information to be helpful to you. If you have any questions regarding real estate matters in the Zephyrhills and East Pasco County areas of Florida, feel free to contact me. John Elwell - REALTOR at CENTURY 21 Bill Nye Realty, Inc. 813-783-4444 or e-mail: jelwell1@tampbay.rr.com You can also visit my main webpage at: www.jelwell.century21bnr.com Licensed in Florida
Image: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
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