Glossary of Terms

Deteriorated Lead-Based Paint: Paint known to contain lead that shows signs of peeling, chipping, chalking, blistering, alligatoring or otherwise separating from its substrate.

Dust Removal: The process of removing dust to avoid creating a greater problem of spreading lead particles; usually through wet or damp collection or through the use of special HEPA vacuums.

Hazard Abatement: Long-term measures to remove the hazards of lead-based paint through selective paint stripping of deteriorated areas; or, in some cases, replacement of deteriorated features.

Hazard Control: Measures to reduce lead hazards to make housing safe for young children. Can be accomplished with interim (short-term) or hazard abatement (long-term) controls.

Interim Control: Short-term methods to remove lead dust, stabilize deteriorating surfaces, and repaint surfaces. Maintenance can ensure that housing remains lead-safe.

Lead-based Paint: Any existing paint, varnish, shellac or other coating that is in excess of 1.0 mg/cm2 as measured by an XRF detector or greater than 0.5% by weight from laboratory analysis ( 5,000 ppm, 5,000 ug/g, or 5,000 mg/kg). For new products, the Consumer Safety Act notes 0.06% as the maximum amount of lead allowed in paint.

Lead-safe: The act of making a property safe from contamination by lead-based paint, lead-dust, and lead in soil generally through short and long-term methods to remove it, or to isolate it from small children.

Risk Assessment: An on-site investigation to determine the presence and condition of lead-based paint, including limited test samples, and an evaluation of the age, condition, housekeeping practices, and uses of a residence.