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<br />Identifying Lead Hazards <br /> <br />Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if <br />it is in good condition, and it is not on an <br />impact or friction surface, like a window. It <br />is defined by the federal government as <br />paint with lead levels greater than or equal <br />to t.O milligram per square centimeter, or <br />more than 0.5% by weight. <br /> <br />Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, <br />chipping, chalking, cracking or damaged) <br />is a hazard and needs immediate attention. <br />It may also be a hazard when found on sur- <br />faces that children can chew or that get a <br />lot of wear-and-tear, such as: <br /> <br />. Windows and window sills. <br /> <br />. Doors and door frames. <br /> <br />. Stairs, railings. banisters, and porches. <br /> <br />Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is scraped, sanded, or <br />heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub togeth- <br />er. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people <br />touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, <br />sweep, or walk through it. The following two federal standards have <br />been set for lead hazards in dust: <br /> <br />. 40 micrograms per square foot (J1g1ftZ) and higher for floors, <br />including carpeted floors. <br /> <br />. 250 Jiglft2 and higher for interior window sills. <br /> <br />Lead In soli can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or <br />when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. The following <br />two federal standards have been set for lead hazards in residential <br />soil: <br /> <br />Lead from <br />paint chips, <br />which you <br />can see, and <br />lead dust, <br />which you <br />can't always <br />see, can both <br />be serious <br />hazards. <br /> <br />. 400 parts per million (ppm) and higher in play areas of bare soil. <br /> <br />. 1.200 ppm (average) and higher in bare soil in the remainder of <br />the yard. <br /> <br />The only way to find out if paint, dust and soil lead hazards exist is <br />to test for them. The next page describes the most common meth- <br />ods used. <br /> <br />5 <br />