Conference moira::parenting

    
    Tons of information on lead paint and/or landlord obligations w.r.t
    lead paint removal may be found in the TALLIS::REAL_ESTATE notesfile.
    Specifically, note 169 is the " *** Official Lead Paint Note *** ".
    
    Carol

    Hi Tony,
    
    You will be happy to know that you do have rights as a tenant to have
    your apartment tested and deleaded. It really is a huge burden on the
    landlord however, but if you enjoy where you live and don't find it
    in your future to move, then what I have to tell you will probably make
    you happy, but will really bum out your landlord.
    
    If you have children under the age of 6 (I believe), you can make your
    landlord delead your apartment, actually the whole building you live
    in. This can cost in the 10's of thousands of dollars. Also, while the
    deleading is taking place, your landlord is responsible for putting you
    and your family up in a hotel or another apartment until the job is
    done. 
    
    I know all this because I am a landlady and there is so much written on
    the subject. I am fortunate in that my apartment only has 1 bedroom, so
    it is highly unlikely that someone with children would move in. If I
    owned apartments with more than one bedroom I would make sure I had
    the house deleaded. I would never want to experience what you may
    decide
    to have your landlord experience. If you think that you may go through
    with the request, I would suggest doing it while your wife is still
    pregnant so that you don't have to move a newborn around next winter.
    
    Deb

    I saw one of those consumer tips type sniglet on the TV last week that
    was discussing Lead paint et al.
    
    One thing I do remember vividly is there is sold a stick that you rub
    over paint to test for lead.  One thing that was noted about these
    particular sticks is that they DO detect lead, unfortunately they
    detect ANY lead that may be in the paint (it turns the paint a bright
    pink), even amounts too small to be considered dangerous.
    
    Another thing I learned recently is that any home that is put on the
    market for sale MUST be deleaded by the seller prior to the sale.  My
    girlfriend's parents have recently placed their 3-decker in Worcester
    on the market, the real estate agent said it may be extremely difficult
    to sell considering it is older, and not de-leaded.  Too bad
    considering it's a very nice home.  They no longer want to be landlords
    and want to move to a single family for retirement.
    
    FWIW, our home is 15 years old, AJ is in a daycare which is certified
    as lead free, and he is still tested annually for lead.  Fortunately
    all his tests have been negative.
    
    Lyn

    Lyn,
    
    I have never heard that a house needs to be deleaded before it is
    put on the market. We just had a market analysis done on our 90 year
    old house and the realtor was very anxious to get it on the market,
    making NO mention of it needing to be deleaded. There are definately
    some things going on with insurance companies and deleading, but if
    you have more info deleading houses up for sale, could you let me know
    where you got the information.
    
    We can take this off line, I realize it no longer has to do with
    "parenting".
    
    Deb

    Some doctors claim there is no such thing as an amount too small
    to be dangerous.  
    
    --bonnie

    
    
    RE: landlords de-leading
    
    	As mentioned before, a properly de-leading can cost mucho denero
    for the landlord. Unforturnately, they can get away with doing very
    little and still be legal. The lead paint just needs to be covered
    up, not necessarily removed. I've seen landlords put sheet metal over
    peeling window-sills  and wall paper over peeling walls (drop ceilings
    cover peeling ceilings too).
    
    	If you find you do have lead paint, and you decide to stay there,
    check with the landlord to see how he plans to remedy the
    situation...you may be better off moving...:(
    
    	I believe the chemical "Sodium cyanide" will detect lead paint at
    just about any levels...ask your local hardware store if they have any
    and how to use it (or contact the building inspector in your town).
    
    
    						cheers,
    
    						jim s.

    Be aware also that the process of deleading can create a problem
    where none existed before. Let's say the lead paint in your place
    is intact and covered by subsequent non-lead paint, which is also
    intact. The process of removing it can create a lot of dust, which
    tends to be tough to get rid of. So you end up breathing lead
    dust later (unless the removal crew is *extremely* thorough),
    while you would've been fine if you hadn't deleaded... It's a
    tough call.
    
    By the way, doesn't the HOME_WORK file also have a lead removal note?
    
    Lucy

    re: .7
    
    Newsweek had a very long and detailed article about the removal
    issue last summer sometime.  Most libraries would probably have it
    on file. 
    
    --bonnie

    My wife has researched this more than I....she should be entering
    comments here.  Two interesting thoughts:

    - the highest incidence of lead poisoning is among 'upper and
      upper middle class' families who are renovating their homes.
      Often lead poisoning is associated with poor urban families...
      this is an incorrect myth.

    - There are several tests for lead poisoning.....an 'inference'
      test and a direct test.  Many doctors are now switching to the
      direct test. You should make sure you know which your doctor
      uses and which may have been used when your kids were screened.

       I just wanted to say thanks for all the information so far.  It is good
   to know that there are laws to protect tenants who finds themselves with
   children in a non-lead-free environment.  Lead poisoning is VERY serious,
   especially to children.

       I have been to the REAL_ESTATE notesfile and also gotten a wealth of
   information.

       I'll keep you all posted as to what eventually happens in our
   situation.

   Thanks again,
   Tony Balsamo