How common is lead-based paint in housing stock?

How common is lead-based paint in housing stock?

• A. Lead-based paint is rare and found in less than 5% of housing stock.
• B. It is present in roughly 50% of housing stock in the private sector.
• C. Lead-based paint is present in roughly 83% of all housing stock in the private sector and in roughly 90% of family housing units in the nation's housing authorities.
• D. It is found only in homes built after 1980.

Answer: (C)

Lead-based paint was used extensively in housing up until the residential ban in 1978, so it remains common in the older stock that still exists today. Because most homes built before that time can contain lead-based paint, the prevalence in the current housing supply is high. The best-supported estimates show that roughly 83% of private housing stock contains lead-based paint, and about 90% of family housing units in public housing (housing authorities) have it. These figures reflect the long-lasting presence of lead paint in older homes and why inspectors focus on older properties for lead hazards. The other options underestimate how widespread lead-based paint is, especially in pre-1978 housing.

Lead-based paint was used extensively in housing up until the residential ban in 1978, so it remains common in the older stock that still exists today. Because most homes built before that time can contain lead-based paint, the prevalence in the current housing supply is high. The best-supported estimates show that roughly 83% of private housing stock contains lead-based paint, and about 90% of family housing units in public housing (housing authorities) have it. These figures reflect the long-lasting presence of lead paint in older homes and why inspectors focus on older properties for lead hazards. The other options underestimate how widespread lead-based paint is, especially in pre-1978 housing.