Frequently Asked Questions

​Abatement – Abatement in New Jersey means two different things. Abatement projects are determined by the Department of Health based on rules in NJAC 8:31, the NJ Childhood Lead Poisoning code.  Owners of properties where children have received blood tests that show an elevated level of lead in their blood are issued a Notice of Violation (NOV). An NOV is based on a lead hazard evaluation conducted by DOH personnel that details of the locations and concentration of lead-based paint in their units.  Each component with lead-based paint is considered a “violation”. Owners are required to remove or “abate” these lead hazards within 30 days or receive possible sanctions of $11,000 per violation. Abatement methods are those used to permanently remove lead-based paint hazards. Methods include removing and replacing components (i.e. windows & doors), or covering large surfaces including walls, ceilings, & exposed soil (i.e. remove and replace soil or pave-over) to ensure property is free of all traces of lead. 

 

Remediation – Simply put, lead remediation projects are lead hazard control projects where there is not a Notice of Violation. Where lead abatement projects require the use of a certified NJ Lead Contractor, remediations can be done by contractors and workers who have taken the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting course and have become a Certified RRP Firm.  Remediation projects can involve things like removing and replacing windows, doors and other friction or impact surfaces. It can also involve stabilizing deteriorated lead paint and using a special encapsulation paint on non-impact surfaces like window and door trim, to keep lead dust from the environment. Often referred to as interim controls, these are fixes intended to make dwellings lead−safe by temporarily controlling lead−based paint hazards.  Often these temporary fixes can be long-term fixes if lead-based paint is properly maintained so that it is not exposed to the environment. 

 

Lead Hazard Reduction – measures designed to reduce or eliminate human exposure to lead-based paint hazards through methods including interim controls and abatement. 

 

Lead Evaluation – Lead evaluation means a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence and condition of lead-based paint. This work is performed by a NJ certified Lead Evaluation Contractor. 

 

Lead Clearance – Lead Clearance is the examination that determines your property to be lead safe.  Clearance involves a visual inspection of painted surfaces to make sure that they are smooth and cleanable and collection of lead dust samples to ensure levels of lead dust are below applicable standards.  

 

Lead Safe Work Practices – Lead-Safe Work Practices provide those performing remodeling tasks in homes built before 1978 with guidelines on procedures they should be using to prevent creating a lead hazard by disturbing lead-based paint.  Lead-Safe work practices involve containing work areas with heavy plastic, covering floor and other room items with plastic, and using methods of paint stabilization that does not involve creating dust.  This might include wet sanding, chemical stripping or using a low heat gun to loosen paint prior to refinishing. 

 

Lead Assistance Programs – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs runs lead programs aimed at assisting income eligible occupants in remediating and/or abating lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 one to four-family family residential units. 

 

Lead Agencies – Community–Based Organizations that work with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Lead Assistance Programs. Lead Agencies include a variety of Non-Profits and Community Organizations across New Jersey.  

 

Lead Safe Certificate Law – Effective July 22, 2022, New Jersey requires lead paint inspections (visual &/or dust wipes) for all targeted rental units built before 1978, at the next turnover. 

 

DCA Lead Pilot – The first New Jersey Lead Program designed to remediate and/or abate lead-based paint hazards. The Program started in 2016. 

 

Municipal Lead Grant – Funding allocated to targeted NJ Municipalities that will assist in the cost associated with lead hazard control.   

 

EBLL – In addition to universal blood lead testing required by N.J.A.C. 8:51A, New Jersey requires public health intervention for all children with an EBLL at or above 5 µg/dL, as defined in N.J.A.C. 8:51.  

 

Lead Inspection Risk Assessment (LIRA) - A risk assessment determines if there are any lead hazards, such as deteriorated lead-based paint, lead dust, and what actions to take to address these hazards. A LIRA involves using an XRF gun on all painted surfaces to determine the presence and quantity of lead in paint, dust sampling of areas where children sleep or play and a detailed drawing of each level of the unit.  A Risk Assessment is completed by a Certified Lead Inspector. 

 

XRF Gun - Hand Held Lead Paint analyzer that provides a more accurate way of identifying the presence of lead paint on multiple surfaces. 

 

AMI – Area Median Income. Area Median Income (AMI) represents the median household income for a specific geographic area, such as a city or metropolitan region. AMI is often used as a benchmark to determine eligibility for various housing programs, subsidies, and affordable housing initiatives. Income levels are categorized as a percentage of the area median income, with different programs targeting households at different percentage levels (e.g., 30%, 50%, 80% of AMI). 

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