SUPPLEMENT - PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME Update to January 2020 version The following information replaces the information on Page 11: If your home has had lead abatement work done or if the housing is receiving federal assistance, once the work is completed, dust cleanup activities must be conducted until clearance testing indicates that lead dust levels are below the following levels: • 10 micrograms per square foot (ng/ft2) for floors, including carpeted floors • 100 ng/ft2 for interior windows sills • 400 ng/ft2 for window troughs Abatements are designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards. However, lead dust can be reintroduced into an abated area. • Use a HEPA vacuum on all furniture and other items returned to the area, to reduce the potential for reintroducing lead dust. • Regularly clean floors, window sills, troughs, and other hard surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge and a general all-purpose cleaner. Please see page 9 for more information on steps you can take to protect your home after the abatement. For help in locating certified lead abatement professionals in your area, call your state or local agency (see pages 15 and 16), or visit epa.gov/lead, or call 1-800-424-LEAD. Update to December 2012 and 2017 versions The following information replaces the lead-dust hazard levels on Page 6: • 10 micrograms per square foot (ng/ft2) and higher for floors, including carpeted floors • 100 ng/ft2 and higher for interior window sills 1 ------- SUPPLEMENT - PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME Update to December 2012 version The following information replaces the drinking water section on Page 13: Lead in Drinking Water The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets and fixtures. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. You can't smell or taste lead in drinking water. To find out for certain if you have lead in drinking water, have your water tested. Remember older homes with a private well can also have plumbing materials that contain lead. Important Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water • Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water. • Before drinking, flush your home's pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. • Regularly clean your faucet's screen (also known as an aerator). • If you use a filter certified to remove lead, don't forget to read the directions to learn when to change the cartridge. Using a filter after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Contact your water company to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead. Your area's water company can also provide information about the lead levels in your system's drinking water. For more information about lead in drinking water please contact EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800- 426-4791. If you have other questions about lead poisoning prevention, call 1-800 424-LEAD.* Call your local health department or water company to find out about testing your water, or visit epa.gov/safewater for EPA's lead in drinking water information. Some states or utilities offer programs to pay for water testing for residents. Contact your state or local water company to learn more. • Hearing- or speech-challenged individuals may access this number through TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. 2 ------- |