2. Keep It Contaminant Free
Overview
Common contaminants in the home include asbestos, lead, radon, building materials, pesticides, and tobacco smoke.
The Lead Safe Housing Rule applies to all HUD-funded and other federally funded projects in buildings built prior to 1978 (target housing). Specific requirements depend on a number of factors, including the type and amount of financial assistance, the age of the structure, and whether the dwelling is rental or owner-occupied.
Key requirements at all levels of rehabilitation assistance include occupant protection, use of workers trained in lead-safe work practices, and clearance testing. HUD requires abatement when federal rehabilitation assistance exceeds $25,000 per unit.
Applicable Standards
- Building Exterior
- Foundations and Structure
- Interiors – Smoke, Fire, and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
- Plumbing - Drain/Waste/Vent System
- Space Conditioning – Heating and Cooling
- Ventilation
Additional External Resources
- Asbestos: Learn about Asbestos (EPA)
- Lead Safe Housing Rule Requirements
- Lead: Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home (EPA)
- Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative
- Radon: A Citizen’s Guide to Radon (EPA)
- Tobacco Smoke: Implementing HUD’s Smoke-Free Policy in Public Housing (HUD)
- Mold: National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH)
- Creating a Healthy Home – A Field Guide for Clean-up of Flooded Homes
- Home Safety Section of the EPA Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades