Syracuse also includes a glossary of technical terms such as lead-based paint hazard, friction 
surface, and reference level with these reports. Residents are also informed that, while the 
report covers only those areas sampled, other areas also might contain a lead dust hazard. They 
are advised that if they treat all areas in their home the same as the improved areas, then the risk 
is likely reduced. 
Syracuse staff find that face-to-face reporting in the home is most effective and that translating 
reports into other languages is sometimes necessary. Some CBOs provide translators who 
accompany project staff on site visits to explain the report findings to residents in their native 
languages and to answer questions. As discussed previously, interacting with residents in their 
own language is a tremendous help in building trust and enlisting participation. 
When delivering a report, the field sampling technician locates areas of concern and identifies 
potential sources of lead dust such as paint rubbing off window sills. If necessary, mitigation 
(cleaning) is recommended. (Read about mitigation in Chapter 7). If the participant has been 
randomly selected for post-mitigation sampling, that is also discussed. The resident is also 
encouraged to repeatedly follow the three-step cleaning process to control lead dust levels (see 
Section 7.4 on program maintenance). Residents and property owners also receive printed 
material providing information on how to control lead in their home. 
Property □ wner/Landldrd Disclosure Requirements 
In addition to providing the tenant with a report on the results of the lead dust mitigation, the 
Syracuse Lead Dust Project provides a copy of the lead dust analysis and cleaning report to the 
property owner (or landlord) after the mitigation is completed. Syracuse project staff learned 
that, because the city already had a separate HUD-funded lead hazard reduction program in 
place, the community was already aware of lead issues, and landlords have been responsive 
when lead hazards are identified in their properties. Landlords are required to disclose this 
information to future tenants when they sign a new lease, and to a purchaser if the property is 
subsequently sold. A sample of Syracuse s letter to the landlord, and the sample forms used by 
EPA to inform landlords of these disclosure requirements, can be found at the end of this chap¬ 
ter. These forms are also available from EPA in Spanish. 
B.Z Public Reports 
Once Syracuse gathers enough data to determine a trend, it can report that trend to the com¬ 
munity. Recording the results on a map to see if a geographical pattern emerges has proven to 
be useful. Some target communities have relatively homogeneous housing types, and other 
homes are likely to contain similar levels of lead dust. Also, homeowners or residents who have 
not participated in the program need to know of potential lead hazards. Syracuse found that 
maps work best when there is data from numerous houses in the community to consolidate, 
because the identity of individual homes is lost in the data, thereby maintaining confidentiality. 
Maps are not a good choice, however, when there are only a few data points. 
Information can also be made available to the public on a Web site, which also serves to pro¬ 
mote awareness of the lead dust problem and help homeowners and communities make more 
informed decisions. (See Section 8.3 below for more on Syracuse s Web site). Other formats 
used by Syracuse to report to the public include the use of posters that rotate though the CBOs, 
a quarterly newsletter, monthly meetings with the CBOs, and broadcasting public service 
announcements on cable television. 
5 B 
Chapter B 
