Lead-Based Paint

Lead is a soft metal that was widely added to paint prior to 1978 for stabilization and longevity of the paint. Many buildings constructed on campus prior to 1978 have lead-containing paint. Lead-containing paint is primarily a hazard for painters who remove or cover the paint. As such, the University maintains a lead-containing paint program targeted to those who conduct renovation, repair and painting activities. In addition, to ensure that employees are not exposed to high levels of lead in the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a Lead Construction Standard, 29 CFR 1926.62, to keep employees’ exposures below a permissible exposure limit. Prior to activities disturbing lead-containing paint, please contact Environment, Health and Safety so that a lead paint inspection can be performed in the affected areas.