Keeping your home safe

Lead Base Paint can be a nasty little hazard in homes built prior to 1978. Familiarizing yourself with signs of an issue with make you a better agent and friend. It will also help you keep you and your family safe. About 75% of all paint used in homes prior to 1978 have harmful lead in it. This was used to increase the paints performance.


NARPM just released an article you will find below the next two paragraphs trying to educate you further on Lead Base Paint it's hazards and how to decrease the number of cases each year, how to detect a problem and remedy it before someones life is affected in a negative way. Every little thing you say or do can make a difference in someones life now and/or in the future. Im starting today, as I did yesterday and try to do tomorrow. Hence, the reason I wanted to share this article with you all.


In 1991, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) characterized lead poisoning as the "number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States."


What you want to do first is determine when your home was built or ASK if you are looking at purchasing or listing a property constructed prior to 1978. Older homes are VERY charming and this hazard shouldnt deter you from these homes, abatement can be just a few hundred dollars, or several thousands. Inspect for signs of paint chips or dust. You could even pick up a do-it-yourself test kit doohikie from Home Depot, Lowes or any home improvement center, paint stores, and even ceramic supply outlets. REMEMBER, though that these test kits cannot distinguish between low and high levels of lead and it may be difficult to get precise readings on surfaces with multiple levels of paint. A typical test kit consists of sealed pouches containing a chemical substance, swab sticks and instructions. Mix the chemical powder with a moistened swab stick and apply it to the surface to be tested. If the swab stick turns a given color (usually pink or red), lead is present. CONSULT A LEAD SPECIALIST.



Helpful hints to minimize and reduce the risks...


Clean up paint chips immediately (duct tape efficiently picks up chips).

Clean floors, window frames, window sills and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a powdered high-phosphate automatic dishwasher detergent or a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP). Wear protective gloves and use two buckets -- one for wash water and one for clear rinse water. Always wring dirty water into the wash bucket.

Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning.

Wash children's hands often, especially before they eat or go to sleep.

Keep play areas and toys clean.

Keep children from chewing painted surfaces such as window sills or cribs.

Remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.

Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium (such as dairy products, eggs, beans, spinach, and lean red meat). Children with good diets will absorb less harmful toxins.

Link to the Environmental Protection Agency for further information;

http://www.epa.gov/lead/


National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week -Article from the National Association of Residential Property Managers. www.narpm.com



According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead is a highly toxic metal that at one time was an ingredient in many household products, including lead-based paints manufactured before 1978. Children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches. The primary source of lead exposure among U.S. children is the lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust and soil found in and around old, deteriorating buildings. This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, so we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about online educational resources available to you and where you can go to find out more about the new lead-based paint rules going into effect in 2010.



The CDC has put together a website to educate Americans about the effects of lead poisoning and how to help prevent it. The website provides podcasts you can listen to, state-by-state statistical information, and links to important lead recalls. The July edition of the NARPM® Residential Resource news magazine also brought you information on new rules approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding renovation, repair and painting that involves lead-based paint. As of April 22, 2010 all contractors and property owners conducting renovations, repairs, or preparation of surfaces for painting in pre-1978 rental housing must be certified and use lead-safe work practices. Beginning October 22 the EPA will start processing applications to certify contractors and property owners to work with lead-based paint. The EPA has established a webpage with more information about the new rules and compliance requirements. There you can also find the "Renovate Right" pamphlet which must be distributed to tenants before renovations, repairs, or preparation of surfaces for painting is done in pre-1978 rental housing.



Local and state governments have also started working on additional laws regarding lead-based paint. Please be sure you are monitoring updates from your local and state chapters of NARPM® to ensure compliance with all necessary laws regarding lead-based paint and residential property management.



NARPM IS FANTASTIC! IF YOU'RE A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGER YOU SHOULD BECOME A MEMBER IF NOT ALREADY! :) GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT PROGRAM,



Legendary Investment Group, llc Always trying to make a difference.



http://www.legendaryinvestment.com/





Kelli J. McHattie

Designated Broker

Legendary Investment Group

7411 E. 6th Avenue Suite 206

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(480)347.3600 office

(602)670.7809 direct

(480)347.0295 efax



http://www.legendaryinvestment.com/
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