Lead Paint in Your Apartment? What California Tenants Need to Know About Lead Hazards
What can cause lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by old, deteriorating lead-based paint found in buildings built before 1978. When this paint chips, peels, or cracks, it can create toxic lead dust or flakes that people—especially children—can breathe in or accidentally swallow. Renovation work done without proper safety measures can also release lead dust into the air. Soil around older buildings may also be contaminated, posing a risk to children who play outside.
If you suspect lead exposure in your home, it's important to know your rights. In California, landlords can be held legally responsible for lead-related harm, including covering medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Housing lawyers can help assess your case and guide you through your options.
What are some examples?
Example 1: A family with a young child moves into an older apartment building. The landlord didn't tell them about lead paint in the apartment. The paint on the windowsills is chipping, and the child breathes in or swallows lead dust or paint chips, resulting in lead poisoning.
Example 2: The Garcia family's toddler was diagnosed with lead poisoning. Tests revealed high lead levels in the paint around the windows of their pre-1978 apartment. The landlord never disclosed the presence of lead paint when they moved in, despite knowing the building's age.
Example 3: During renovations in the apartment next door, Aisha noticed workers scraping off old paint without any containment measures. Dust covered her apartment, and her 3-year-old son later tested positive for lead exposure. The landlord had not informed tenants about lead hazards during renovations.
Example 4: Jackson's children showed elevated lead levels in their blood after living in an older apartment for six months. Investigation revealed lead paint under newer layers on their bedroom walls, which was chipping near the baseboards. Despite the building's age, the landlord never provided the required lead disclosure forms.
Example 5: When Priya complained about peeling paint in her bathroom, her landlord painted over it without proper preparation. The new paint soon bubbled and peeled too, exposing old layers. After her daughter became ill, tests confirmed lead poisoning from the paint dust and chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common symptoms of lead poisoning?
What factors strengthen a lead poisoning case?
How long does a lead poisoning case take?
What kinds of payouts can tenants expect?