What should be done if lead is found in a home during an inspection?

When lead is found in a home during an inspection, the appropriate response is to conduct immediate clean-up and abatement measures. This is crucial because lead poses significant health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can lead to serious health issues including developmental delays, decreased IQ, and other neurological problems.

Performing a clean-up and abatement involves removing lead sources, such as lead-based paint and contaminated dust, and mitigating any further risks through appropriate remediation measures. It is essential to address even non-deteriorating lead surfaces effectively, as they can still become a source of lead exposure if disturbed or deteriorated over time.

In contrast, simply covering lead with paint does not eliminate the hazard and can lead to further deterioration and exposure in the future. Allowing lead to remain if it is not deteriorating can also be risky, as it could become a health hazard through wear or damage. Advising occupants to ignore the presence of lead would be irresponsible and could endanger their health. Hence, proactive intervention through clean-up and abatement is the best course of action to protect the occupants' health and safety.