It is my job to make sure you are aware of this issue.
The biggest issue is Dust containing lead, from any renovations. Even very small amounts of lead can be very dangerous to everyone in the home.
I have included this NAR video that addresses the new requirements with interviews with the EPA. I encourage you to watch the videos:
http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/lead_paint_realtors_faq
And
Most paint, before 1978, was lead-based paint. It was banned, then. See Below, for more information. Some manufacturers voluntarily stopped using Lead in paint products, however, new regulations are now in force. These are far stricter than previous regulations.
No matter what, you will have to disclose that, when you sell your home. You can also have it tested by a certified Lead inspector.
Perhaps it is just fine, but you will always have to disclose this on any home built before 1978 and have someone certify that there is not lead-based paint in any home before that date. This disclosure it required via our AZ contracts and other forms must be completed.
If you are a Buyer, you will sign a Buyer Advisory (approved by the Dept. of Real Estate):
http://www.aaronline.com/documents/buy_advis.pdf (this is the newest one as of May 2011)
On page 3, there are links about lead-based paint.
I encourage you to carefully read and use the links, provided.
History of lead-based paint and new laws:
The United States government's Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead paint in 1977 (16 Code of Federal Regulations CFR 1303). In an announcement dated September 2, 1977, [5] "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has culminated a major regulatory proceeding by issuing a final ban on lead-containing paint and on toys and furniture coated with such paint. This action was taken to reduce the risk of lead poisoning in children who may ingest paint chips or peelings.".
Effective April 22, 2010, the US EPA now requires that all renovators who work in homes built pre 1978 and disturb more than six square-feet of lead paint be RRP certified. The new regulation will affect over 100,000 renovators across the country. Renovators can find out more about the program and training locations at [6].
For manufacturers, the CPSC instituted the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which changed the regulations on lead content of paint from 0.06% (w/w) to 0.009%, or 90ppm, on August 14, 2009.
Se also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead-based_paint_in_the_United_States