What should be done if lead paint is found during a risk assessment?

When lead paint is identified during a risk assessment, taking appropriate measures for abatement or management and notifying the occupants is crucial for health and safety. This approach ensures that the lead hazard is properly addressed, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful lead dust or chips, especially in homes with children or pregnant women.

Abatement can involve methods such as removing lead paint safely, encapsulating it, or conducting repairs that minimize exposure. Management may include regular maintenance to ensure that any lead-based paint remains in good condition and does not pose a risk. Notifying occupants is equally important, as they need to be aware of the situation to take necessary precautions and prevent potential health hazards.

In contrast, ignoring the lead paint or managing it improperly, such as by simply painting over it without proper measures, fails to address the underlying hazard and can lead to increased risk of lead exposure. Removing furniture might seem like a precaution, but it does not eliminate the hazard itself and does not fulfill the responsibility of ensuring a safe living environment.