DATE: May 9, 2005

TO: Building Officials

FROM: Angie Poole, Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention - 800-972-2026

RE: Notification Regarding Lead-Based Paint Prior to Renovation, Remodeling, and Repainting

Childhood lead poisoning is a major problem in Iowa because much of the housing contains lead-based paint.

Many children are poisoned when lead-based paint is disturbed in painting and remodeling projects.

Since 1999, Iowa law has required contractors to give property owners and occupants a notification and approved lead hazard information pamphlet before starting renovation, remodeling, or repainting in homes built before 1978. The law ensures that property owners and occupants are notified that the work may disturb lead-based paint and that they are given the information they need to protect themselves and their families.

Since 2002, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has conducted random spot checks of contractors to monitor compliance with the statute. When IDPH has found contractors who are not complying with the law, IDPH has encouraged voluntary compliance. Because the statute has been in effect for over five years and because of the public health importance of ensuring that home owners receive this information, IDPH will begin imposing civil penalties for violations of this law after April 1, 2005.

We are asking for your help in getting the word out to property owners and contractors who are working on remodeling projects. We have attached a one-page flyer (front and back) that outlines the requirements of this law. Would you be willing to include this flyer with building permits for residential dwellings built before 1978? You can print this flyer yourself, or you can request that we mail you copies by calling the Iowa Department of Public Health at 1-800-972-2026. You can also contact us if you have any questions about the requirements of this law or the distribution of the flyer.

Thank you in advance for your help in preventing lead poisoning in Iowa's children.