Lead dust standards for older homes
In effect since January 13, 2025 (corrections published December 16, 2024 and July 9, 2025).
EPA’s final rule of November 12, 2024, effective January 13, 2025, lowers the dust-lead hazard standards to any reportable level measured by an EPA-recognized lab, and lowers post-abatement clearance levels to 5, 40 and 100 micrograms per square foot for floors, window sills and window troughs. EPA notes its lead-based paint rules do not require owners to test their homes, but set requirements when work such as abatement is done.
Who this matters for
Homes built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use, may contain lead paint. Dust from sanding, scraping or window friction is the main exposure path, especially for young children.
The rule renames the levels "dust-lead reportable levels" and "dust-lead action levels."
What to do now
- In a pre-1978 home, hire an EPA lead-safe certified firm for work that disturbs painted surfaces.
- If you have young children, ask your doctor about a blood lead test and consider a lead inspection or risk assessment.
Federal Register documents
- 2024-11-12FR Doc. 2024-25070 · Final rule: dust-lead hazard standards and post-abatement clearance levels.
- 2024-12-16FR Doc. 2024-29423 · Correction.
- 2025-07-09FR Doc. 2025-12726 · Correcting amendments.
A plain-language summary of public documents, not legal or tax advice. Rules in this area have changed several times since 2024; the dates above are the record. Report a change we missed.