Lead-Based Paint
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling as required by U.S. law. Northwood contract holders must also have a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention available to them. Learn more at the Environmental Protection Agency.
U-M Surveys
The University has implemented a comprehensive program to address lead-based paint in Housing. As early as 1994, an independent environmental consulting firm completed general surveys of Northwood apartments. The repair or replacement of lead-based paint building components was completed where indicated.
In 2001, another round of lead inspections was initiated, following new regulatory guidelines issued by the EPA and the State of Michigan. A State-licensed lead inspector/risk assessor—in accordance with specific inspection criteria outlined in the regulations—conducted the inspections. Inspections were performed again in 2010. Since then, Housing has used the summary report and data for lead management.
The attachment at the bottom of the page summarizes of the lead-based paint inspections conducted in Northwood Community Apartments in 2010.
Current and prospective residents should download the summary data to learn about their Northwood complex.
Lead Abatement
Both our service staff and the U-M Procedures for lead-abatement maintenance are focused on the hazards of lead-based paint and on federal and state requirements for working with it. A lead abatement firm has been retained to ensure immediate access to qualified specialists as needed.
There are four methods that are currently used for treating a lead-based paint hazard in University Housing: encapsulation, enclosure, removal or replacement.
In each case, the method used is determined by the state-licensed lead risk assessor and lead abatement contractor, in accordance with federal and state regulations. The University has decided not to remove all lead-based paint because of the relatively low risk hazard associated with properly managing the material in place. Instead, University Housing has opted for a containment approach (encapsulation and enclosure) rather than a removal approach. This containment approach is consistent with the federal and state regulations that are based on the federal government’s evaluation of nationwide studies and research indicating that lead exposure is not a problem in well-maintained residences.
Resident Responsibilities
The University does not permit residents to remodel or renovate any University property without prior approval. The standards for Community Living at Michigan (CLAM) states: “any alteration or structural modification of the premises, including an cable TV outlet, requires prior written consent from the Community Center.”
Learn More
- U-M Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)
- Michigan Department of Community Health
- Washtenaw County Department of Environmental Health
- National Lead Information Center
- Office of Lead Hazard Control
If you suspect a lead-based hazard…
If you believe or suspect that there is lead-based paint hazard in your apartment or building, please contact FIXIT(online FIXIT system and the U-M Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) department immediately.