These Guidelines, required by Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, are designed to supply current and complete technical information on the evaluation and control of lead hazards--from paint, dust, or soil--in federally associated housing, although they may be useful for others involved with housing or child care facilities. Under the framework provided by Title X, the focus of these Guidelines is on controlling hazards instead of pursuing complete abatement. One exception to this is public and Indian housing, which must continue to abate all lead-based paint. As long as worker and resident safety are maintained, performance standards are met, and method effectiveness is evaluated over time, property owners have the flexibility to use any lead hazard control they choose, outside of prohibited methods.
An additional element of flexibility in the Guidelines is the redefinition of "lead-based paint hazards" as "any condition causing exposure to lead...such as lead-contaminated dust; bare, lead-contaminated soil; or lead-contaminated paint that is deteriorated or present on accessible, friction, or impact surfaces...that would result in adverse human health effects." Therefore, many ceilings and walls with intact lead-based paint would not be considered a "hazard" under the new definition, but would require continued monitoring of changes in surface conditions.
This document replaces Lead-Based Paint: Interim Guidelines for Hazard Identification and Abatement in Public and Indian Housing (1990), but does not supersede Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessment Protocol (1992). The new Guidelines encompass a broader range of activities than the Interim Guidelines, and include information on methods of risk assessment, new procedures for lead-based paint inspection, methods to correct lead-based paint hazards--as opposed to abating all lead-based paint--and new interim control procedures to manage lead-based paint in-place. The Guidelines also include recommended worksite preparation techniques, procedures for investigating cases of childhood lead poisoning, and safe maintenance for historic preservation projects.
In addition to the wealth of practical information on residential lead hazards for owners, inspectors, housing managers, health providers, and others, the Guidelines also list several resources for those needing additional information. Because of rapidly changing technology, the Guidelines will be revised periodically to reflect innovations. Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing is now available from HUD USER for $4. Please contact HUD USER to obtain copies.