Common renovation, repair and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint (like sanding, cutting, replacing windows and more) can create hazardous lead dust and chips, which can be harmful to adults and children. Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to harm your child and put your family at risk.

If you are renting your home, then you should know that federal law requires that firms doing renovation work must give you a copy of the pamphlet  Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools no more than 60 days before work begins. Once the work starts, keep your family safe by staying out of the work area.

Also, for work in common areas of multi-family housing, the firm doing the work must either distribute renovation notices to tenants or post informational signs about the renovation or repair job. This notice must describe the general nature and locations of the planned renovation activities; the expected starting and ending dates; and a statement of how the occupant can obtain the Renovate Right pamphlet at no cost to the occupants. Informational signs must be posted in areas where the occupants of all of the affected units are likely to see them .

Learn more about EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program.