Did you know that most homes built prior to 1978 had lead paint? Here is a quick review, FYI.

All sellers with homes built prior to 1978 are required to fill out a lead-based paint disclosure form. The buyer must also be provided a lead-based paint educational booklet. Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes.Lead may cause a range of health effects such as behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are growing quickly.

On the other hand, there are millions of homes with lead paint out there, and many have been painted and repainted several times so the lead paint is well covered up. If in doubt, have the paint tested and evaluated either at a local laboratory, or with one of the home test kits available at your local hardware store.

See the following links for information about lead-based paint, home maintenance and renovation work:

Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil (EPA)
Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (HUD)
Lead Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting rule – for Real Estate Professionals (NAR)