What To Know About New York City Lead Laws

In 2021, New York City legislators enacted new lead dust standards as well as new lead-based paint standards for rental properties within the city, according to NYC.gov. As a result, there are new standards regarding the acceptable concentration of lead found in paint as well as dust residue. Previously, the city allowed 1.0 milligram of lead per square centimeter of paint—now the standard has been reduced to 0.5 milligrams. NYC officials also halved the previous standards around the lead dust hazard risk assessment. It seems that this push toward tighter standards around lead exposure will produce a greater need for education around the new standards for certified lead abatement workers.

The newest lead exposure updates which tightened NYC standards occurred first in June and then again in December of 2021. First, the standards were reduced for safe levels of lead in dust. Second, the standards were reduced for safe levels of lead in paint. These changes were part of “Lead Free NYC” officials’ push to eliminate childhood lead exposure, according to City Land NYC. The two most recent updates were put forth to bolster the enforcement of Local Law 1 (2004) known as the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act.

How to Get Certified for the New NYC Lead Standards

Getting certified to test and remove dangerous lead paint or lead dust in an NYC residence is easy through NAETI Lead Classes in the brand-new NYC classroom. Once certified, lead paint inspectors and abatement workers must consult with their local health board, Department of Health, and/or Department of Community Affairs concerning criteria for inspection.

Put the Certification to Use

The threshold for what constitutes lead-based paint and dust has been lowered. Now, there may be a 15 percent increase in surfaces that will test positive for lead. This may result in more violations issued, according to officials from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

It is up to building owners to get re-certified for these new standards by 2025. However, landlords who own buildings constructed before 1960 must take steps to meet the stricter standards. Each time there is tenant turnover, landlords are expected to remediate all lead hazards. What’s more, building owners whose rental units house children under the ages of six must work with certified contractors to meet these lead ordinances.

The inspections have many facets which include but are not limited to dust wipe sampling and lead abatement methods. Certified lead paint abatement workers have been trained according to methods approved by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.