Lead Poisoning: How to Protect Iowa Families

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Lead based paint, lead chips and lead dust can pose serious health hazards and are still a serious concern in Iowa. 

Many homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 contain lead-based paint hazards on both interior and exterior surfaces. All of the rules regarding lead-based paint apply to pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities. Buildings built before 1960 pose the most significant health risks. 

Iowa Laws Regarding Landlords and Renovators 

Iowa law as enforced by the Iowa Department of Public Health requires lead professionals that disturb painted surfaces in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Always ask to see your lead professional’s certification. Renovators must give homeowners and occupants this booklet and a form before they start work. Landlords and property managers who perform renovations must also give this booklet and a form to tenants before they start work. 

“Remember 1-6-20” 

Iowa law requires that individuals receive this booklet before renovating more than one square foot of painted surfaces. Iowa law also requires certification and specific work practices when paint is disturbed in: 

  • 1 square foot of painted woodwork per renovation, or
  • 6 square feet of finished dry wall or plaster per interior room per renovation, or
  • 20 square feet of exterior painted surfaces per renovation. 

Federal Laws Regarding Landlords, Home Sellers and Renovators 

Are you planning to buy or rent a home built before 1978? Landlords must tell tenants about known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases are signed. In the case of verbal leases, landlords must do this before tenants agree to a verbal lease. Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint unless an Iowa certified inspector has checked the property and said in writing that it is lead-based paint free. Sellers must offer buyers 10 days to check for lead hazards. Sellers must tell buyers in writing about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before entering into a sales contract. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint in the building.