Lead Poisoning Information For Homeowners
Most lead exposure in Rhode Island comes from homes built before 1978 due to lead-based paint and lead dust. Homeowners should maintain their homes to keep them lead safe. Landlords have additional requirements to protect their tenants from lead hazards.
What you should do
Keep Your Home Clean
- Clean floors, stairs, and windows weekly using warm water + all-purpose or lead-specific cleaner
- Wet clean—don’t dry dust!
- Focus on “friction areas” like window frames, stair treads, and doors. These surfaces rub and bind, creating fine lead dust even if paint isn’t peeling.
- Remove or clean shoes before entering your home
- For more cleaning tips click here.
Lead may be found in:
- Peeling/chipping paint
- Dust from old paint
- Bare soil near the foundation
- Tap water (from lead pipes/solder)
- Pottery, ceramics, crystal, and older toys
If you spot peeling paint or bare soil:
- Wet clean paint chips immediately
- Repair paint and clean surfaces
- Cover bare soil with grass, mulch, or gravel
Hire Licensed Lead Professionals
If disturbing:
- 6+ sq ft inside, or
- 20+ sq ft outside,
you must hire a licensed Lead Renovation Firm.
If you're disturbing **any** exterior lead paint, RI law requires **7 days written notice** to neighbors within 50 feet. Department of Environmental Management Regulation 250-RICR-120-05-24 – Removal of Lead-Based Paint from Exterior Surfaces
Hire a licensed Lead Inspector to test:
- Paint
- Dust
- Soil
- Water
If you've renovated your interior, you'll need:
- Cleaning verification, or
- Clearance inspection with dust wipes
If your home was built before 1978, RI law requires you to:
- Disclose all known lead hazards
- Provide lead inspection reports to buyers or renters
- Include a lead warning + EPA booklet with RI Insert in sales/rental documents (Keep lead reports and proof of EPA booklet distribution for at least 3 years)
- Allow buyers a 10-day period for lead testing