Minds → Toxic Substances → What counts as a lead-based paint activity under federal rules? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

US Federal

What counts as a lead-based paint activity under federal rules? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Under 40 CFR 745.227, a lead-based paint activity means an inspection, lead-hazard screen, risk assessment, or abatement performed in target housing or child-occupied facilities, effective March 1, 2000. The work must be done by an individual certified by the U.S. EPA as an inspector, risk assessor, supervisor, or project designer following documented methodologies. Renovation activities in target housing are separately regulated under the EPA RRP Rule at 40 CFR 745.85.

Last verified: 2026-08-28 · Sources checked: 3/3 resolving · Next scheduled review: 2026-11-26

Details / How it works

Per 40 CFR 745.227(a), lead-based paint activities include:

Inspection – a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint (≥1.0 mg/cm² or 0.5% by weight), per the definition in 40 CFR 745.103.
Lead hazard screen – a limited activity conducted by a certified risk assessor to determine whether a full risk assessment is warranted.
Risk assessment – an on-site investigation by a certified risk assessor to determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards.
Abatement – measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards, performed by a certified firm with a certified supervisor on site.

All four activities must follow documented methodologies such as the HUD Guidelines or EPA Residential Sampling for Lead protocols.

Numbers & thresholds

Threshold	Value
Lead-based paint definition	≥ 1.0 mg/cm² or ≥ 0.5% by weight
Effective date for work practice standards	March 1, 2000
EPA notification before abatement	At least 5 business days prior (standard)
Dust-lead action levels (post-2026)	Floors 5 µg/ft² · Window sills 40 µg/ft² · Window troughs 100 µg/ft²
Soil-lead hazard (play area)	≥ 400 ppm
Soil-lead hazard (rest of yard)	≥ 1,200 ppm

Exceptions & edge cases

Renovations, repairs, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in target housing are regulated separately under 40 CFR 745.85 (the EPA RRP Rule) rather than 745.227. The hazard-screen option is a screening tool only; if hazards are identified, a full risk assessment under 745.227(d) is required. The 1978 cutoff in 40 CFR 745.103 defines target housing, while housing for the elderly (62+), 0-bedroom dwellings, and housing for the disabled are excluded unless a child under 6 resides there. Abatement notifications triggered by an elevated blood lead level (EBL) determination or emergency order may use an abbreviated timeline per 745.227(e)(4)(ii).

Sources

[1]U.S. Government Publishing Office / Environmental Protection Agency — 40 CFR 745.227 — Work practice standards for conducting lead-based paint activities · as of 2026-08-28
[2]U.S. Government Publishing Office / Environmental Protection Agency — 40 CFR 745.85 — Lead-based paint renovation — work practice standards · as of 2026-08-28
[3]U.S. Government Publishing Office / Environmental Protection Agency — 40 CFR 745.103 — Definitions for lead-based paint activities · as of 2026-08-28

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