Local Law 31 of 2020: Lead Paint Requirements For NYC Property Owners

Lead is a poisonous metal used as a paint ingredient worldwide. Before the 20th century, artists and builders preferred it because of its thickness and density. Plus, it dries quickly and creates a long-lasting finish.

The dangers of lead have been known and documented since the 4th century BC. Reported effects included loss of use of limbs, colic, and anemia, among others. But, many people overlooked the risks then because of the benefits.

Precautions and legal bans on lead-based paint

Precautions were always present in the use of lead. In 1971, the banning of lead became a law in the US. This law prohibited the use of lead paint in residential or commercial buildings. Yet, it was limited to buildings constructed using federal funding or assistance. The total ban on lead-based paint was enacted in 1977. It now included banning lead paint in residential and public properties and on toys and furniture.

Use of lead paint was an accepted family practice in New York City before 1960. Thereafter, selling paint with high lead levels for residential use was prohibited and the state-wide ban was imposed in 1970. Banning by the federal government was in 1978.

Health risks from lead exposure

Lead exposure happens when a part of your body touches a product, surface, or soil that has lead and then the lead gets into your mouth. It may also be in anything you inhale, eat, or swallow, and it contains lead, such as water and food, that catches lead dust from paint peelings. 

Children are at a high exposure risk. They tend to put things in their mouths and nibble on window sills and door frames where there may be old coatings of lead-based paint. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to lead among children results in:

• Brain and nervous system damage
• Learning and behavior issues
• Speech and hearing problems
• Slow growth and development

Adults are also at risk when:

• Their homes have lead-based paints and are disturbed or damaged. Dust containing lead can be inhaled, ingested or swallowed.
• Workers and hobbyists can breathe in, swallow, or ingest lead dust or fumes when working with metal, paint, pigments or glazes with lead. 
• The water may be contaminated when drinking water passes through plumbing that contains lead.
• Getting in contact with soil with lead may occur while gardening, playing, and doing other similar activities.
• Using consumer products that contain lead.

An effective way to lower the chances of exposure to lead is to reduce lead-based paint hazards in the environment. Read on to learn about these hazards you need to watch out for.

Lead-based paint hazards you need to look out for

According to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD), lead-based paint hazards include:

• Dust and peelings from disturbed or damaged lead-based paint
• Lead paint on:
• Rotted wood
• Crumbling plaster
• Doors and windows, in particular, those that are in contact with one another and are sticking or rubbing together.
• Surfaces such as window sills that have been chewed on or susceptible to chewing by children

New York City’s proactive efforts resulted in an improved reduction in childhood lead exposure. Children with elevated blood levels have progressively declined since the local laws’ implementation. The latest numbers recorded a 21% drop in 2019 compared to 2018 of children with blood lead levels of 5 mcg/dL.