What is lead poisoning?
Lead is a poison that impacts everyone, especially children ages 6 years and younger. Lead can harm brain, nerves, kidneys, digestive system, hearing and cause muscle and joint problems. Even at low levels, lead can affect cognitive abilities causing a lower IQ and learning disabilities. The effects of lead on the body and brain are irreversible.

How is lead related to your home?
Lead was used in paint prior to 1978. Most homes built prior to 1978 have some lead in them. Paint made prior to 1950 was especially high in lead. The older the home is the greater the potential hazard. Paint chips are high in lead. Lead dust, not paint chips, are the main source of lead poisoning. Windows and porches are the most likely lead hazards in your home.

Are there other sources of lead around my home?
Yes, soil around your home and, in older homes, some water pipes may contain lead.

What if I have lead paint in my apartment?
Most apartments built prior to 1978 have lead paint. Lead paint becomes hazardous when it is disturbed by friction, impact and moisture which causes the paint to break down into dust. If you suspect your apartment has a lead hazard call the Department of Health to have it tested.

What should I do if there is a lead hazard in your unit?
Inform the landlord. Call the City of Chicago Department of Health’s Childhood Lead Prevention Program. You can request an inspection. The Department of Health has several programs that may provide financial assistance to landlords seeking to replace old windows.
If the landlord refuses to make repairs and old paint is pulling away from the wall, cracking, chipping or peeling and it is a code violation, you can give the landlord a 14-day written notice to reduce your rent. See the Apartment Conditions and Repairs Guide for more information. 

Does my landlord have to inform me if there is lead in my apartment?
Under federal law, at the start of a tenancy, the landlord must provide tenants with a lead disclosure form that details any known lead hazard in your unit or the common areas and a copy of the EPA booklet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home". Under 2004 Childhood Lead Prevention Act, the landlord must also post a notice if a lead hazard has been found in another unit. That notice must remain posted until the hazard is taken care of.

*This Guide was originally written by the Metropolitan Tenants Organization; for more information on lead please visit their Healthy Homes website.