In an update to the “lead paint house”, North Talk forum member Joel reached out to Neighborhood Housing Services in regards to why their home has Lead Paint written all over it, literally. Glennis Ter Wisscha, Executive Director, responds:

Hi Joel –

What appears to be graffiti is actually our compliance with Federal Rules regarding Lead Paint Abatement. We had the building tested for Lead and the report came back that there is evidence of lead on the original siding.

 

The asbestos siding was removed revealing the wood lap. Lead rules state that we have to warn future owners about the location of lead hazards by spray painting “Lead Paint” at stated locations (we have to do this on interior surfaces as well). Should future owners decide to work on this home, they must be warned about the hazard.

 

I’ve asked the construction supervisor when the new siding will be installed and will let you know after I hear.

 

Please let the residents know this is not random graffiti and actually serves as a health and safety warning.

 

Thank you Joel

Glennis

 

Apparently, there is some law requiring homes to be defaced and tagged with “LEAD PAINT”. However, I have been unable to find any requirement by the EPA or the US Dept of Housing. This certainly doesn’t mean there isn’t a requirement – it just means I haven’t seen one yet. I have contacted the National Lead Information Center to get some clarification on this. In the meantime, if anyone has any more information on this I would love to hear it.

See previous LEAD HOUSE story here.