Lead Guidelines for Landlords in Massachusetts

Although the sale and distribution of lead-based paint were banned in 1978, the American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 37 million households in the U.S. still contain lead-based paint. For landlords in Massachusetts, it is their sole responsibility to identify and remove lead-based paint from the premises if renting to families with children under the age of 6. If not, there can be hefty fines and legal consequences.

Dangers of Lead Paint

Lead paint was once known for its affordability and durability, but the toxicity of this now-banned paint grossly outweighs its benefits. Large quantities of lead can be lethal, while smaller quantities can impact early childhood development, cause behavioral health issues, and affect vital organs. Though lead is most prominent in homes built before 1978, it can also be found in pipes, dust, or soil.

Who Is Liable?

In the state of Massachusetts, the landlord is solely responsible for identifying lead on the property, warning people about the risk of lead exposure, and removing the lead. This is mandatory for all structures built before 1978 where children under the age of 6 reside. Landlords cannot refuse to rent properties to families with children, especially those under the age of six, because of the presence of lead paint. Instead, they must delead all lead-based hazards from the premises. Failure to comply can result in discrimination charges, hefty fines beginning at $10,000, and other legal consequences.

Legal Documents and Deleading the Property

To start a full comprehensive inspection of the unit and all the common areas to the unit will need to be conducted by a licensed lead inspector. If the inspector does not identify any lead hazards after this comprehensive initial inspection you will receive a Letter of Full Initial Compliance. If the inspector does find lead hazards during the comprehensive initial inspection then the landlord would need to hire a licensed person to do the lead paint abatement. Once the abatement is complete and the work and dust wipes pass a Letter of Full Deleading Compliance would be issued.

A Letter of Interim Control can be issued for a property alos. A Risk Assessment would also need to be performed with the Comprehensive Initial Inspection. The Risk Assessment would identify the urgent hazards, i.e. loose, chipping, or peeling paint. For Interim Control you only need to address the urgent hazards. A licensed person must do the work and once it is complete and passes a reinspection a Letter of Interim Control will be issued and will be good for 1 year. After 1 year another reinspection must occur to certify the property is still in Interim Control status and the letter will be certified for a 2nd year. After the 2nd year, if there is still a child under the age of six residing at the property, full abatement of all hazards will be required to bring the property into compliance and receive a Letter of Full Deleading Compliance.

If you own property in the Boston area and suspect there is lead-based paint on the premises, reach out to ASAP Environmental, Inc. to schedule a lead paint inspection with our certified inspectors. Call us today at 800-349-7779 or schedule an appointment online.

The Life Cycle of Mold Growth

Mold needs moisture to grow, which means it can be a nuisance in coastal cities like Boston. Once mold starts growing in a residential or commercial building, it may be challenging to determine if the problem needs to be addressed by a professional. Since mold growth can stay dormant for years but continually repeat its growth cycle once conditions are ideal, it’s important to know the stages of the mold life cycle.

Hyphae Growth

It all begins with hyphae growth. Hyphae are thin, small, and stringy cells that release enzymes that basically "eat" nutrients from organic material, such as wood or plant debris. As the hyphae consume nutrients, it grows to a visible size, which is called a mycelium.

Spore Formation

Once the mycelium forms, the fungus develops spores—if the conditions are right. Like any other fungus, mold spores will only form with the right combination of light, oxygen, and temperature.

Spore Dispersal

After the spores form they disperse and release fungus into the air. They can stay dormant for years until they fall into an area with the right conditions to germinate. But this is where damp East Coast air comes into play. Mold spores grow when they fall in an area with a lot of excess moisture. The more access they have to damp cellulose material, the better they grow.

Spore Germination

When the spores land in a moist area with access to organic material, the mold growth cycle begins all over again. If the conditions are right, residents and business owners may end up with a serious mold problem quite quickly.

Do you think you have mold growing in your home? The best way to know for sure is to schedule a mold inspection. The specialists at ASAP Environmental, Inc. offer comprehensive inspections and risk assessments of mold growth in the Boston area. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.

Four Common Household Sources of Lead

Before 1978, many homes were constructed using building materials and paints that contained lead. Because lead exposure can cause serious health problems, it's critical to identify potential sources of lead and minimize contamination in residential spaces. Here are four common places that lead can be hiding in a home.

Dust

Homes that appear spotless may still contain dangerous amounts of lead-contaminated dust, which can enter the house from several sources. Dust containing lead can be tracked in from contaminated soil on shoes or can be leftover from a home remodeling project with flaking lead-based paint. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding wearing shoes inside, and dusting windows, sills, and floors are all good ways to minimize the risk of dust that contains lead.

Soil

Lead is also often present in soil, where it comes from two primary sources:

• Deteriorated buildings or fences that used lead-based paint or materials

• Roadways where vehicles that used leaded gasoline were once common

Covering bare soil with grass, shrubs, mulch, or cement can minimize humans' exposure to lead in soil. For this reason, parents and caregivers should prevent children from playing in or ingesting soil.

Water

Many homes built before 1930 were constructed with lead pipes for plumbing, but even homes built as recently as 1984 might also have used pipes containing lead-based solder in their copper joints. Any amount of lead in a plumbing system can easily contaminate the water, making it dangerous to use for drinking, cooking, or bathing. During a thorough lead inspection, a professional will test a home's water to check for the presence of lead.

Paint

Until the late 1970s, lead-based paint was commonly used on many household features and furniture items. In addition to the risk of flaking paint forming lead-contaminated dust over time, children have been known to ingest chips of paint that they find on the ground or windowsills. Merely applying another layer of paint on top of peeling or chipping lead-based paint isn't sufficient; it must be safely removed before it can be painted over.

Having a thorough lead inspection is one of the best ways of checking your household's risk of lead exposure. In addition to performing comprehensive lead inspections, the team at ASAP Environmental, Inc. provides residents in the Boston area with lead paint, asbestos, and mold inspection services. Schedule an inspection today by calling 800-349-7779.

How Does Mold Impact Your Health?

While mold is the reason blue cheese and penicillin exist, this fungus in large quantities can damage homes and buildings. Mold thrives in moist environments and usually forms around pipes, windows, or wherever leaks are. This can leave a strong odor or lingering dampness around the house or affected area. Long-term exposure to mold infestations can be detrimental to human health. Although it's a fungus, mold spores are airborne and can spread easily, causing large and pesky infestations.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure in People

Since mold spores can grow in indoor and outdoor settings, chances are an individual has been exposed to at least some contamination from mold spores. Mold infestations can cause serious health issues for people and household pets. However, the effects of mold exposure can vary from person to person. That being said, even the healthiest of people can experience symptoms from prolonged exposure such as wheezing, congestion, or eye irritation. Mold exposure can also cause insomnia, anxiety, or intensify other mental health stressors. People with underlying health conditions such as asthma, immune suppression, or allergies are more prone to severe symptoms such as fever or nausea.

Long-Term Health Implications

Mold spores can produce and spread toxic substances in the air. According to the CDC, recent studies have found a potential link between mold infestations and young children developing asthma. While this has not been entirely proven, people with asthma can still experience irritation from prolonged exposure to mold. Severe mold infestations can also cause lung infections if left untreated. At-risks groups such as pregnant women and the elderly can experience worsening symptoms from mold infestations such as vomiting and bleeding in the lungs.

Call a Mold Inspector

Contact a mold inspection company to pinpoint the source of the infestation. Quickly identifying which mold is present in a home or office building can help mitigate long-term health effects and minimize infrastructural damage. If a person is experiencing severe reactions to mold, allergen tests can be conducted by physicians to determine if they have a mold allergy.

If you suspect there is an infestation in your home or office building in the Boston area, ASAP Environmental, Inc. is here to help. We'll provide a free estimate of your inspection cost over the phone. Call us today at 800-349-7779 or schedule an appointment online to get started.

How Does Mold Spread in the Home?

Mold can present serious health risks if it invades your living space. Unfortunately for homeowners, many don’t realize what it takes to inhibit growth or stop its spread. If you have concerns about mold taking root in your home or business, learn more about how it spreads and thrives in certain environments.

Spore Release

Mold doesn’t propagate the way you might expect from bacteria or pathogens. It’s a fungus, so it sends spores out and away to reproduce. Those unsightly spots you see on moldy food and other infected areas are actually the bodies where spores are stored; these ultimately act as a launching pad to send their spawn throughout various areas of the house.

Mold Facilitators

All it takes are four “ingredients” for mold to take root: a sturdy surface, heat, oxygen, and moisture. When indoor moisture is elevated, such as with water leaks or high humidity, it’s far easier for mold to spread rapidly. Since most homes have circulating air in them, spores are naturally caught in the currents and settle wherever the conditions are right in other rooms or spaces. This is especially problematic when the mold originates in the basement or other low spots, since warm air rises and inevitably travels up through the house, exposing it on every level. If you, family members, or pets move around the mold at all, it can be spread by regular foot traffic.

Mold Survival

Organic materials high in cellulose are mold’s favorite substances to “eat,” meaning many households have everything it needs to survive. Matter like wood, leaves, and carbohydrate-rich foods are more than enough to help it grow. It’s also worth noting that mold can grow on non-organic materials like plastic and carpeting if there’s enough dirt or dust to provide a food source. So long as materials are plentiful and moisture levels are high, mold can easily end up thriving in your home.

If you’re concerned about a possible mold infestation, call ASAP Environmental, Inc. Our team has nearly 20 years of experience serving Boston and the New England region with certified lead, mold, and asbestos inspections. Whether your mold situation is minor or serious, we’ll give your home a comprehensive analysis so you can better protect it and also provide answers to all of your questions. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.

Image from Wikimedia Commons.

Dangers of Mold Exposure for Pets

The presence of mold in the home can create health problems for both human and animal members of the family. When experiencing unexplained symptoms, a mold inspection can determine whether exposure to fungi could be a potential cause of illness. Here are the most common signs that a pet has come in contact with mold and how this could impact its health.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure in Pets

Like humans, animals can experience respiratory distress associated with mold. Pet owners may notice their pets struggling to breathe or breathing more quickly than usual. Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and nasal discharge are common. Dogs and cats may seem exhausted or depleted of energy. In severe cases, they may experience bleeding from the mouth or nose.

When an animal consumes mold, stool changes, vomiting, and loss of appetite typically result. Pet owners should also be aware of skin issues caused by mold allergies. This can result in chronic licking, chewing, and scratching that can cause painful sores and bald patches.

Health Impact of Mold for Dogs and Cats

Although these short-term symptoms are troublesome for animals and their humans alike, exposure is also linked to long-term health implications. Pets may experience:

• Digestive issues
• Damage to the gastrointestinal system
• Respiratory issues
• Organ damage
• Tremors, seizures, and other neurological effects

In addition, pets exposed to mold may develop a chronic fungal infection called aspergillosis. This condition causes loss of appetite, sneezing, nasal pain, swelling, and bleeding. Over time, bone inflammation, spinal problems, and weight loss may develop.

Help for Pet Mold Exposure

When an animal displays these symptoms, the owner should seek immediate veterinary care. However, if mold is the culprit, these health problems will not resolve until the property is cleared of these toxins.

The presence of visible mold is the most obvious sign that a home needs remediation. However, hidden mold spores can enter the air undetected, which is why a professional mold inspection is so critical when health problems arise.

Act quickly when loved ones, including pets, experience unexplained medical concerns. ASAP Environmental, Inc. provides comprehensive mold inspections for homeowners in the Dorchester area, and we also service rental properties. Complete our online form or call 800-349-7779 to schedule a visit from a certified inspector.

Lead Inspection: The Renter's Guide to Requirements

Before 1978, the majority of the paint used on the interior of homes and apartment buildings was lead-based. Although lead has been banned in the majority of household products for over 40 years, lead paint is still present in old residences. Exposure is especially harmful to children and pregnant women, as it can have serious effects on fetal and child development. As a result, strict Massachusetts lead inspection requirements are in place to protect tenants and help them learn how to keep themselves safe.

Massachusetts Law Regarding Lead in Rental Homes

According to MassLegalHelp.org, it’s a renter's right to have information regarding existing or possible lead-based substances on the property provided by the landlord. Even before moving into a rental property built before 1978, renters are entitled to the following:

• Any information about the potential for lead paint on the property
• Tenant Lead Law Notification forms (required by law to be signed by both parties)
• Tenant Certification form with the owner's disclosure of lead-based hazards (required by law to be signed by both parties)
• A copy of the most recent lead inspection (if available)
• Copy of compliance (if the property was deleaded)

Next Steps If Lead Hazard Is Suspected

If a renter notices peeling or loose paint chips, he or she should immediately notify the landlord of their concern in writing and ask for a lead inspection. If the landlord does not comply, tenants with children under age six should contact the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) to arrange a free inspection. Renters who do not qualify for a free inspection may instead hire a professional inspector to determine the presence of lead-based paint. If lead is found, the landlord is required by law to fix it.

Discrimination and Eviction Concerns

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health emphasizes that discrimination based on the presence of lead paint is illegal. If a renter is refused a lease or evicted from an apartment due to lead hazards on the property, particularly if they are pregnant or have young children, the CLPPP should be contacted immediately.

If a rental unit that you own or lease was built before 1978, ensure that lead-based paint isn't present to prevent a safety hazard. ASAP Environmental, Inc. has been providing residents throughout the Boston, MA area with professional lead inspections since 1993. Schedule your inspection today if you suspect that lead may be present in your home.