The Lead-Safe Renovation Rule regulates renovation, repair and painting activities performed for compensation in housing and child occupied facilities built prior to 1978. These properties may contain lead-based paint on building components (walls, doors, windows, trim, siding, floors, etc.). Lead hazards are created when old paint is disturbed during renovation, repair and painting activities. The rule has five main requirements: 

1. Information must be provided to owners and occupants before work begins. 
2. Training and certification.
3. Use of lead-safe work practices and cleaning techniques.
4. Final cleaning verification.
5. Recordkeeping.

Wisconsin’s Lead-Safe Renovator Rule, DHS 163, is administered and enforced by the WI Department of Health Services’ Asbestos & Lead Section in the Division of Public Health.  

Wisconsin’s rule is based on a federal EPA rule, 40 CFR Part 745, “Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program” that was published on April 22, 2008.  On October 20, 2009 EPA authorized the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to administer and enforce the state rule in lieu of EPA administering and enforcing the federal rule in Wisconsin .
 

No. The rule does not apply to homeowners conducting renovation activities in their own single-family residence if their home is occupied solely by the owner and the owner’s immediate family.

Note: If an owner hires a contractor to conduct renovation work on a pre-1978 home then training and certification is required.
 

Health effects on adults not exposed as children (exit DHS) - The toxic nature of lead is well documented. Lead affects all organs and functions of the body to varying degrees. The frequency and severity of symptoms among exposed individuals depends upon the amount and duration of exposure. The list below shows many of the key health effects in adults who have been exposed to lead as adults.

• Neurological Effects 
• Fatigue / Irritability 
• Impaired concentration 
• Hearing loss 
• Wrist / Foot drop 
• Seizures 
• Encephalopathy 

• Gastrointestinal Effects 

• Nausea 
• Dyspepsia 
• Constipation 
• Colic 
• Lead line on gingival tissue 
• Reproductive Effects 
• Miscarriages/Stillbirths 
• Reduced sperm count & motility 
• Abnormal sperm 
• Heme Synthesis 
• Anemia 
• Erythrocyte protoporphyrin elevation 
• Renal Effects 
• Chronic nephropathy with proximal tubular damage 
• Hypertension 
• Other 
• Arthralgia 
• Myalgia 

Childhood Lead Poisoning in Wisconsin in 2010 (PDF, 142 KB) - A background paper was developed to provide the most current research about the effects of lead poisoning on children and how it continues to cause damage to their health and well-being throughout their lifespan. The report also discusses efforts to address lead poisoning at the state, federal and international level.

The Legacy of Lead Report - The report reveals the alarming scope of childhood lead poisoning in Wisconsin, discusses its causes and effects, and provides a systematic plan to eliminate the problem.