Lead Exposure Risks for Renters: What Tenants Need to Know

May 30
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Lead exposure is one of the most major hidden hazards renters in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut sometimes find in their houses. Although lead safety rules must be followed by landlords, many rental houses still feature antiquated plumbing that puts renters at danger, polluted dust, and lead-based paint. Ensuring a safe place of living depends on knowing the risks of lead poisoning and how to guard yourself.

Provided by BNF Consulting Inc., this information will assist renters in understanding lead poisoning symptoms, spotting lead exposure hazards, and acting early to save their family.

Lead Exposure in Rental Homes

Where is Lead Found in Rental Properties?

Older rental dwellings, especially those built before 1978, when lead-based paint was outlawed in residential properties, have the most common lead exposure. Lead does still exist, though, in:

Paint and Dust: Lead-based paint chips or peels produce harmful dust that can be inhaled or consumed.
Water Pipes: Lead pipes or solder are still present in many older homes, poisoning drinking water.
Soil: Lead-based paint-painted outdoor soil next to buildings may have dangerously high lead levels.
Imported Goods: Lead finds some porcelain dishes, toys, and cosmetics imported from outside the United States.

Why Lead Exposure is a Serious Threat

Lead Poisoning Symptoms in Children and Adults

Even minute levels of lead can cause major medical issues. Children's lead poisoning symptoms could include:

developmental delays and learning challenges
Irritability and behavioural issues
Loss of weight and appetite
Weary and slow
Hearing disorders
Seizures

Adult lead poisoning symptoms sometimes start slowly and can include:

high blood pressure
Memory loss and impaired focus
Mood disorders (including irritation and depression)
Joint and muscle aches
Headaches
Stomach aches and digestive problems

Why Renters Are at Higher Risk

Many rented homes are not kept correctly, which raises lead danger. Renters can encounter:

Lack of Disclosure: Not all landlords reveal known lead concerns.
Poor Maintenance: Disturbed old windows, doors, and walls could spew lead dust
Limited Control: Tenants cannot readily replace pipes, paint walls, or make structural alterations to remove lead dangers.

Protecting Yourself from Lead Exposure

1. Know Your Rights as a Renter

Before renting a property, federal law mandates that owners reveal known lead concerns. Tenant should:

Before signing a lease, ask for lead inspection documentation.
Demand safe repairs if lead dangers turn up.
See any water leaks or flaking paint right away.

2. Recognize and Reduce Lead Hazards

To cut your rental house's exposure:

Keep surfaces clean: Using wet towels or mops, routinely clean windowsills, flooring, and other surfaces.
Use cold water: Lead solutes dissolve more readily in hot water. Cook and drink always with cold water.
Wash hands frequently: Before eating, make sure kids wash their hands to help lower lead dust intake.
Avoid renovations without precautions: If repairs disturb old paint, make sure correct lead-safe techniques are applied.

3. Get Professional Lead Testing and Consultation

Set up an inspection with BNF Consulting Inc. if you believe lead exists in your rental property. Our registered experts offer:

Lead-based paint testing for walls, ceilings, and surfaces.
Water testing to detect lead contamination.
Air and dust sampling to assess exposure levels.
Expert recommendations for reducing exposure and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Take Action to Protect Your Health

Renters' major yet avoidable health risk is lead exposure. Should you live in an older rental house or show symptoms of lead poisoning, it is imperative to act right away.

🔹 Contact BNF Consulting Inc. today at +1 914-297-8335 to schedule a professional lead inspection and protect your family's health.

🔹 Serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, BNF Consulting Inc. provides expert lead testing and consultation to ensure safe rental living.

Don't wait. Lead poisoning can have lifelong consequences. Schedule an inspection now to gain peace of mind knowing your home is safe.

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (2021). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). https://www.epa.gov/lead
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (2022).https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/lead
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). https://www.fda.gov