A large share of homes in DC, Baltimore, Prince George's and older parts of Montgomery County and Arlington were built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use. If your home is that old, there's a real chance lead paint sits under the newer layers, especially on windows, doors, trim and porches.
WHY IT MATTERS DURING RENOVATION
Intact lead paint under newer coats isn't the main hazard. The danger is dust: sanding, scraping, demolition and window work turn old paint into fine dust that settles on floors and windowsills. It's especially harmful to young children and pregnant women.
THE FEDERAL RRP RULE
The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule applies to paid work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes, child-care facilities and schools. In practice, it means:
- The firm and its workers are trained and certified for lead-safe work.
- Work areas are contained with plastic sheeting.
- No open-flame burning, high-speed sanding or grinding without dust collection, and no dry scraping of large areas.
- Cleanup with HEPA vacuums and wet wiping, followed by a cleaning verification.
Small jobs under the rule's minimum area thresholds have lighter requirements, but window replacement and demolition of painted surfaces are always covered.
LANDLORDS: EXTRA RULES
Maryland, DC and Virginia each layer their own rules on rental housing. Maryland, for example, requires pre-1950 rentals (and certain later ones) to be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment and pass lead inspections at turnover. If you own older rentals, check your jurisdiction's requirements before any turnover painting.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE IT
- Test kits from hardware stores give a quick yes/no on accessible layers.
- A certified lead inspector can test with an XRF device and give you a full report.
- When in doubt, treat paint in a pre-1978 home as if it contains lead.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR COST
Lead-safe setup, containment and cleanup typically add 10 to 25 percent to interior painting or trim work in an older home. On window or door replacement, the added cost is usually a few hundred dollars per opening for containment and cleanup.
Ask any contractor working on a pre-1978 home how they handle lead-safe practices. If the answer is "we just sand it," find someone else.
RELATED READING
PAINTING PLASTER WALLS IN OLDER DMV HOMES
Crack repair, primers that actually stick, lead precautions, and why plaster needs different prep.
RENOVATING A DC ROWHOUSE: WHAT'S DIFFERENT
Narrow layouts, party walls, historic review, street permits, and getting a kitchen through the front door.
FIRST REPAIRS TO MAKE AFTER BUYING A DMV HOME
Safety first, the inspection report, what to do before moving in, and what can wait a year.
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