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Since February 24, the Maryland Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Act has required that all pre-1950 residential rental properties (Affected Properties) be certified in compliance with the full lead risk reduction standard or lead-free standards prior to each change in occupancy. On February 24, this requirement was extended to all pre-1950 residential rental properties regardless of whether there has ever been a change in occupancy. This is referred to as the “100% Rule.”
Lead is one of the most significant environmental hazards for children in Maryland. Children are at greatest risk from birth to age six while their neurological systems are developing. Sustained exposure to lead can cause death or long-lasting neurological damage resulting in poor school performance, inability to read, aggressive behavior, hearing loss, or even mental retardation. The major source of exposure for children is lead paint dust that is transmitted through children's normal hand-to-mouth activity after contact with deteriorated lead paint or from home renovation.
Setting the Standard for Lead Poisoning Intervention
Last year, Maryland lawmakers, at Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.’s behest, added to the “100% Rule” by setting the standard for initiating intervention when a child’s blood lead level of 10 micrograms per deciliter is found.
Mandatory remediation of lead hazards in the home upon a single blood lead level test of 10 micrograms per deciliter is the most protective level in the nation. It is intended to reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning while maintaining an acceptable stock of affordable housing through implementation of the “100% Rule.”
“Decreasing the threat of lead poisoning in all homes, whether rented or not, is a priority that we take very seriously,” said Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick. “Those who do not comply with these requirements are endangering our future. All Marylanders should educate themselves on the dangers of lead paint before they rent, buy or renovate a home, and use safe practices when conducting any home maintenance.”
Property owners who did not meet the “100% Rule” deadline may contact MDE and elect to enter into a settlement agreement. To date nearly 300 property owners have requested a settlement agreement that includes penalties and a time certain for compliance. Those interested in signing such an agreement may submit a Property Owner Compliance Form that can be found on MDE’s website at:
http://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/
LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/index.aspx under “Related Topics.”
There are an estimated 135,000 pre-1950 rental units in Maryland. To date, MDE records indicate that nearly 65,000 units have met the full lead risk reduction standard by either passing a test for contaminated lead dust or by performing treatments authorized under the law. Roughly 30,000 of the 135,000 units are certified lead-free.
For more information on Maryland’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program please call the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (410) 537-3942 or 1-(800) 776-2706. |
