Although lead has been banned
from paint since 1978, poisoning
from lead-based paint still poses
a serious health threat, and,
perhaps more than ever, a source
of potential liability for people
involved in the building and real
estate industries. Recently, an
increasing number of lawsuits
have been brought against
residential landlords and public
housing officials. Day-care
facilities, private residential
sellers, lenders, insurers, and lead
product manufacturers are all
potentially liable. Remodelers
and renovators who unwittingly
stir up lead dust during their
work are also at risk.
A Little History
Until the middle of this
century, lead was widely used in
paints because of its durability.
In the 1950s, however,
researchers found that lead paint
was contributing to lead
poisoning, which can cause
health problems in adults and
mental