EPA: Lead Safety Documents and Outreach Materials
Why Lead Safety Matters
Lead poisoning is a serious health risk, especially for children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead—commonly found in old paint, contaminated soil, and drinking water—can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other long-term health issues. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a key role in educating the public on lead safety through accessible outreach materials and detailed guidelines.
If you’re a homeowner, educator, contractor, or community leader, understanding the EPA’s lead safety resources can help you take proactive steps to reduce lead exposure in homes, schools, and workplaces.
Key EPA Lead Safety Documents and Resources
The EPA provides a variety of materials to inform the public about lead hazards, prevention methods, and regulations. These resources are designed for different audiences, from homeowners to renovation professionals.
1. Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
This is one of the most widely distributed EPA documents, offering guidance on identifying and minimizing lead risks at home. It covers:
- Common sources of lead exposure (paint, dust, soil, water)
- How to test for lead in your home
- Steps to prevent lead poisoning, especially for young children
This document is essential for families living in older homes built before 1978 when lead-based paint was still widely used.
2. Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Contractors, and Property Managers
Renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) projects in older buildings can disturb lead-based paint, creating hazardous dust. This document provides:
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Safe work practices for renovations
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Legal requirements for contractors
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Steps homeowners can take to protect their families during remodeling
Contractors working in homes or child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must follow EPA’s RRP rule, making this a must-read for professionals.
Download the Renovate Right guide
3. Small Entity Compliance Guide for Lead Paint Rule
Businesses, landlords, and contractors must comply with EPA regulations on lead-safe work practices. This guide helps small businesses navigate:
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Certification requirements
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Record-keeping obligations
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Proper lead containment and cleanup procedures
This is an important resource for companies aiming to stay compliant while protecting workers and customers.
Outreach Materials for Lead Safety Awareness
The EPA offers several public outreach materials, including posters, brochures, and fact sheets. These materials are ideal for schools, health departments, and community organizations looking to educate people about lead hazards.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Posters and Fact Sheets
These outreach materials are designed to be shared in clinics, community centers, and schools. They provide clear, concise messages on:
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Lead exposure risks
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Safe cleaning practices to reduce lead dust
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How to find certified lead professionals
Access EPA’s outreach materials
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) Toolkit
Each year, the EPA partners with other agencies to promote National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The toolkit includes:
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Social media graphics and messages
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Sample press releases
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Printable flyers and educational materials
This is a great resource for local organizations hosting lead awareness events.
Who Should Use These Resources?
The EPA’s lead safety documents and outreach materials are valuable for various groups:
Homeowners & Renters: Learn how to identify and minimize lead exposure in older homes.
Contractors & Property Managers: Stay compliant with lead-safe work practices and legal requirements.
Educators & Health Professionals: Share outreach materials with families to promote awareness.
Community Organizations: Use EPA posters and toolkits to educate the public about lead risks.
Take Action to Prevent Lead Exposure
Lead exposure is preventable, and the EPA’s resources make it easier to educate and take action. Whether you're a parent, contractor, or educator, these documents provide essential information to keep your home and community safe.
To stay informed, explore the full range of EPA’s lead safety materials and share them with those who need them most. Small steps—like proper cleaning, using certified professionals, and testing for lead—can make a big difference in reducing health risks.
Visit the EPA’s lead safety page for more resources: EPA Lead Outreach Materials
