Maryland Lead Paint FAQ
What type of inspector do I need for a Maryland lead paint inspection?
For rental properties in Maryland, a certified visual inspector must issue MDE Form 330 Certificates for both Full and Modified Risk Reduction inspections.
Full Risk Reduction: Used for rentals where lead dust may be present and general clearance is required.
Modified Risk Reduction: Conducted after a lead hazard notice or a child’s elevated blood level to verify hazards have been corrected.
Lead-Free Inspection: A one-time X-ray fluorescence (XRF) test confirming a home is free of lead paint.
Limited Lead-Free Certification: Applies when the interior is lead-free, but the exterior still contains lead-based paint.
Do you need a lead certificate to buy or sell a home in Maryland?
No. A lead certificate is not required to buy or sell a home. However, sellers of pre-1978 homes must:
Disclose that lead paint may be present.
Provide buyers with the EPA “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” pamphlet.
Allow buyers up to 10 days for a lead inspection or risk assessment.
Many sellers and buyers choose to order a lead inspection for peace of mind.
How much does a lead paint inspection cost?
Pricing depends on property size, sample count, and lab turnaround time.
At 00 Lead Inspections & Abatements, typical pricing is:
$450 for up to 12 dust-wipe samples (3-day turnaround).
$30 per additional sample.
Visual inspections are free in Baltimore City and County when pre-paid (dust wipes not included).
What are the health risks of lead exposure?
Lead exposure can cause fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and developmental delays in children and pregnant women. Long-term exposure may lead to serious neurological and organ damage. Regular inspections help prevent these risks.
How often should inspections be done?
Homes built before 1978 should be inspected whenever new tenants move in, after major repairs or repainting, or if young children or pregnant women occupy the property.
How is lead paint safely removed?
Only a licensed Lead Abatement Contractor may perform full lead removal.
They:
Assess contamination.
Contain and control dust.
Use specialized cleaning and HEPA filtration.
Dispose of materials at certified hazardous waste facilities per Maryland environmental law.
Are there programs to help pay for lead removal?
Yes. Homeowners and landlords may qualify for HUD’s Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program or Maryland local grants that help cover inspection or abatement costs for older properties.
What are the EPA rules on lead paint work?
The EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires contractors working in pre-1978 homes to be lead-safe certified and follow specific dust-control practices during any repair, renovation, or painting.
How can I test my home for lead?
You can hire a certified lead inspector or use a DIY test kit from a hardware store. Professional inspections are recommended for rental properties and official compliance.
What should I do if my child has elevated lead levels?
Contact your child’s healthcare provider immediately. Then schedule a certified inspection to identify and remove lead hazards in your home. Early action prevents further exposure.
How do I know if my home has lead paint?
Homes built before 1978 often contain lead paint. Warning signs include peeling, cracking, or chipping paint, especially on windows, doors, and trim where friction occurs.
Can lead paint affect property value?
Yes. Homes with lead hazards can lose value because buyers anticipate abatement costs. Certified inspections and risk-reduction certificates can help preserve value and buyer confidence.
Can lead paint be encapsulated instead of removed?
Yes. Encapsulation seals lead paint with a special coating that prevents dust release. It’s effective if paint surfaces are intact and stable.
When was lead removed from paint?
Lead use in residential paint was federally banned in 1978. Maryland later strengthened limits, defining lead paint as any coating with 0.7 mg/cm² or more of lead—stricter than the federal 1.0 mg/cm² standard.
How long does it take to get lead poisoned?
Lead poisoning can happen gradually or quickly, depending on exposure. Even small, repeated exposures from lead dust can accumulate in the body over time and cause serious harm.
Can I remove lead paint myself?
No. Maryland law requires a licensed MDE Lead Paint Supervisor for major removal work. DIY removal without a license can lead to fines up to $37,500 and serious contamination risks.
Small repairs under 6 sq. ft. per room must follow EPA RRP lead-safe work practices.
What happens if the Health Department finds lead hazards?
If a child’s blood test shows elevated lead, the Health Department will:
Inspect the home using an XRF analyzer to locate hazards.
Issue a violation notice and require abatement or stabilization.
The owner hires a certified Lead Paint Supervisor to complete repairs.
The home is reinspected and must pass Modified Risk Reduction dust-wipe testing (floors ≤10 µg/ft²; sills/wells ≤100 µg/ft²).
Passing reinspection restores compliance.
How do I pass a lead inspection?
Clean floors and windows thoroughly (HEPA vacuum + wet wipe).
Repair any peeling or chipping paint, inside and out.
Keep windows closed and dry 24 hrs before testing.
Ensure no visible dust or debris on surfaces.
Why is lead dust dangerous?
Even microscopic lead dust can stay in the body for months and in bones for decades, causing chronic harm. The CDCand OSHA regulate safe exposure limits to protect children and workers.
What are symptoms of lead poisoning?
Fatigue, headaches, mood changes, irritability, memory loss, abdominal pain, joint pain, and developmental delays in children. Always get medical testing if exposure is suspected.
How are people exposed to lead dust?
Most exposure occurs when opening or closing old painted windows or doors, during renovations, or when old paint deteriorates into dust.
Why was lead used in paint?
Lead made paint dry faster, resist mold, and hold color longer—until the health dangers became undeniable.
Who is most at risk of lead poisoning?
Children under six, pregnant women, and pets are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.