How often should lead hazard risk assessments be performed in homes with lead paint?

Lead hazard risk assessments in homes with lead paint are typically recommended every two years. This frequency is important because conditions in homes can change over time, and areas that may not have posed a risk initially can develop lead hazards due to factors such as deterioration, renovations, or changes in occupancy.

By conducting assessments every two years, homeowners and property managers can ensure ongoing monitoring and timely intervention if lead hazards are identified. This helps protect the health of residents, especially young children and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure.

Annual assessments may be overly frequent and costly without providing significant added safety benefits, while assessments every five years may not adequately address changes in the home that could introduce lead hazards. Assessments only when a family moves in do not account for ongoing risks that may develop during occupancy and may leave residents at risk in the interim. Regular assessments strike a balance between safety, practicality, and cost, making every two years the most appropriate interval for conducting these evaluations.