Lead Information for Property Owners or Contractors | Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

The most common way people are exposed to lead is from dust. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978. Projects that disturb lead-based paint can create dust and endanger workers and residents in the home.

If you own or perform repairs at a property built before 1978, you are required to:

Test painted surfaces for lead-based paint prior to beginning the work, or assume the surfaces contain lead-based paint and use lead-safe work practices
Do not use belt-sander, propane torch, high temperature heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint
Maintain painted surfaces in good repair
Check impact or friction surfaces (windows and doors) for dust or deterioration
Landlord are required to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect
Sellers must disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house
Renovators disturbing paint surfaces have to give out the EPA's Renovate Right pamphlet

Federal law requires contractors that disturb lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Contractors who want information about working safely with lead should visit the National Lead Information Center's website or call 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) for information about courses and resources on lead-safe work practices.

Contact Us

Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm

For all concerns regarding lead, call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD or (800) 524-5323.

Tel: (323) 659-6553
Fax: (323) 890-8737

County of Los Angeles Public Health
Environmental Health
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
5555 Ferguson Drive, Suite 210-02
Commerce, CA 90022


Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.