San Francisco law requires property owners of pre-1978 dwellings to provide the "San Francisco Lead Hazard Notice for Pre-1978 Dwellings" to both current and new tenants.
If you would like more information on the Lead Hazard Notice, please contact the Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Prevention at (415) 554-8930.
San Francisco Lead Hazard Notice for Pre-1978 Dwellings
Lead is a poison that is especially harmful to young children and
developing fetuses. When children have too much lead in their bodies,
it may cause long-term effects on their learning ability, attention
span, hearing, and growth. Children are most often exposed to lead from
normal hand-to-mouth behavior after touching surfaces in the home that
have lead-contaminated dust.
When lead paint is damaged over time by neglect, impact, friction or
moisture, lead dust hazards are created. Also, when lead paint is
disturbed during renovation, construction or exterior painting, and
dust is not properly contained and cleaned up, lead dust remains in the
soil or inside the home. Bare topsoil containing lead is a significant
hazard, and lead dust from the soil can be tracked into the home by
children, adults, and pets. Lead was widely used in residential paint
until 1978, when new laws greatly reduced the amount of lead allowed.
Dwellings built before 1978 probably have older lead-containing paint,
and may have lead dust hazards.
Lead can cause health problems for both children and adults.
Children should be tested for lead at one and two years of age, and
afterwards based on a questionnaire given by their medical provider, up
until six years of age. You may call the following agencies for more
information:
- SF Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Prevention Program (415) 554-8930
- National Lead Information Center (800) LEAD-FYI
- California Department of Health Services (510) 450-2424
- Lead Information Lead-Related Construction Information (800) 597-LEAD
