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Press Release

The change in Maryland’s lead law aims to reduce lead poisoning cases linked to homes built before 1978 and to help eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Maryland. The use of lead paint was prohibited in 1978, however, reports in recent years have shown that a significant percentage of new childhood lead poisoning cases are linked to homes built from 1950 to 1978. This law previously applied to properties built before 1950. “We have proven this theory true with some recent inspections that we have completed within this timeframe,” Matthews said in the release. Lead is one of the most significant and widespread environmental hazards for children and pregnant women in Maryland. Children are at greatest risk from birth to age 6 while their neurological systems are developing. Sustained exposure to lead can cause long lasting neurological damage or death. The major source of exposure for children is lead paint dust from deteriorated lead paint or from home renovation. Most childhood exposure occurs through children’s normal hand-to-mouth activity after contact with a source of leaded dust. The most effective prevention of childhood lead poisoning is to reduce or eliminate exposure. So, effective Jan. 1, all residential rental properties constructed prior to 1978 must comply with Maryland’s Lead Risk Reduction in Housing Act. The law requires rental property owners to: register all their rental dwelling units every year with the Maryland Department of the Environment at a cost of $30, unless certified as lead free or limited lead free; have lead paint inspections prior to changes in tenancy; and distribute specific lead risk educational materials to tenants every two years even...

Recent article

Effective January 1, 2015 – New Lead Based Paint Requirements for Maryland Properties Built Prior to 1978 Posted by Marian C. Hwang Tuesday, October 14, 2014 As of January 1, 2015, any property with a rental unit constructed prior to 1978 in Maryland (unless certified as “Lead Free” or “Limited Lead Free”). •    Must be registered on or before December 31, 2014 with payment of $30 per dwelling unit; •    Must be inspected by a State accredited inspector and meet certain risk reduction standards at each change in occupancy or upon notice of paint defects or elevated blood levels of a child under 6 or a pregnant woman; and •    Must provide the tenant with a copy of the current inspection certificate, the “Notice of Tenants Rights,” and “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” brochures at inception of tenancy and every two years thereafter. If the property is certified as “Lead Free” or “Limited Lead Free”, the inspection report must be submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment (“MDE”) with a processing fee of $10 per unit.  “Limited Lead Free” properties require submission to MDE of a certification from an accredited inspector every two years to maintain the exemption.   Current laws require similar registration, risk reduction and provision of information requirements for rental dwelling units built in Maryland prior to...

XRF Application

We are happy to announce that we have made formal application to use our XRF machine. Lead Free and Limited Lead free inspections before the years end. Please call us to get on the list.

Lead Paint Article…A must read…

There have been significant changes to Maryland’s Lead Risk Reduction in Housing Act that were passed during the 2012 legislative session that are going to take effect soon. The registration fees have increased to $30 per unit and starting Jan. 1, 2015, all residential rental properties constructed prior to 1978 must be registered and lead inspected prior to each change in occupancy. The Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (Lead Program) serves as the coordinating agency of statewide efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Under the 1994 “Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Law,” MDE assures compliance with mandatory requirements for lead risk reduction in rental units built before 1950; maintains a statewide listing of registered and inspected units; and, provides blood lead surveillance through a registry of test results of all children tested in Maryland. More information and renewal forms can be located online at www.mde.state.md.us, or call the Lead Rental Registry at 800-776-2706. They also provide a list of contractors in the area that are certified to test for lead paint. Lead is one of the most significant and widespread environmental hazards for children in Maryland. Children are at greatest risk from birth to age 6 while their neurological systems are developing. Sustained exposure to lead can cause long lasting neurological damage or death. The major source of exposure for children is lead paint dust from deteriorated lead paint or from home renovation. Most childhood exposure occurs through children’s normal hand-to-mouth activity after contact with a source of leaded dust. The most effective prevention of childhood lead poisoning is to reduce or eliminate...

New Lead Paint Law

WHAT: Effective January 1, 2015, all residential rental properties constructed prior to 1978 must comply with Maryland’s Lead Risk Reduction in Housing Act.* The law requires rental property owners to: 1. Register all their rental dwelling units every year with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The cost of registration is $30; 2. Have lead paint inspections prior to changes in tenancy; and 3. Distribute specific lead risk educational materials. WHO: Owners of rental properties constructed prior to 1978. WHY: • Protect your tenants and yourself from health risks. The change in Maryland’s lead law aims to reduce lead poisoning cases linked to homes built before 1978 and to help eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Maryland. • The use of lead paint was prohibited in 1978, however, reports in recent years have shown that a significant percentage of new childhood lead poisoning cases are linked to homes built from 1950-1978. This law previously applied to properties built before 1950. • Without certification and by not following approved practices, property owners can face fines and potential lawsuits. WHEN & WHERE: Register or renew your property now through January 1, 2015 at: www.mde.maryland.gov/LeadRegistration QUESTIONS: Questions on registering your property can be directed to [email protected]. *This replaces the Maryland’s requirement to register properties built before 1950...