Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Bureau of Environmental Health

Introduction

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) has amended its Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Regulation. Notably, the new regulation amends the definition of “Accessible, Mouthable Surfaces” and creates a new type of lead hazard, both of which impact the number and type of surfaces which must be de-leaded. Details of these and other policy changes are found below. Please refer to our website or contact CLPPP with any questions.

When Do the Changes Go into Effect?

All changes go into Effect December 1, 2017

Deleading work that began before December 1, 2017 can be completed to the abatement standards in place at the time of the deleading notification if: The submitted deleading notification includes the “start work date” prior to 12/1/17; and The work is completed and passes a final deleading re-inspection on or before January 1, 2018.



What are the Changes to Deleading Requirements?

Accessible, Mouthable Surfaces Window sills that are 5 feet or less from a floor, stair tread, or ground, and hand rails and railing caps must be deleaded. Surfaces like baseboards, door and window casings, and outside corners of walls that are in good condition no longer require deleading. Friction Surfaces Doors (edges), door jambs, and stair treads are lead hazards and must be deleaded at all points of potential friction where the components meet. Stair treads are abated in their entirety from the balusters to the wall – or they can be covered.



What are the Changes to Acceptable Deleading Methods and Re-inspection Requirements?

Encapsulation Can now be used for Exterior Accessible, Mouthable Surfaces if: the existing paint or coating is well adhered and the surfaces assessment requirements are met. Repainting/Sealing Floors where loose lead paint was made intact for compliance must be repainted and pass a dust wipe sample (alternatively, these surfaces can be covered). Coating Removal Using Chemicals All doors and woodwork where chemical stripping, including off-site dipping, was utilized, will now be subject to re-inspection to ensure that the components are repainted prior to occupancy.



Additional Resources for Changes to the Lead Regulations for Property Owners and Contractors