Lead-Based Paint Management Program
The University of Michigan is required to distribute material about lead-based paint, provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to lessees of apartment units in Northwood Community Apartments. Additional and specific information related to University Housing is contained here to augment the government-provided materials.

UM Surveys
The University has implemented a comprehensive program to address lead-based paint in Housing. As early as 1994, general surveys of Northwood apartments were completed by an independent environmental consulting firm. 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. The inspections were conducted by a State-licensed lead inspector/risk assessor in accordance with specific inspection criteria outlined in the regulations. Housing will use the summary report and data for future lead management. All residents should download the summary listed below for the complex they are moving into upon signing their Northwood Community Apartment contract.

The links below provide summaries of the lead-based paint inspections that were conducted within the Northwood Complexes between February 2001 and September 2001.

• Northwood I
• Northwood II
• Northwood III
• Northwood IV
• Northwood V

UM Procedures for Lead Abatement
Maintenance and service staff continue to be trained 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.

The following four methods are currently used for treating a lead-based paint hazard in University of Michigan Housing:

• Encapsulation. Sealing the lead-based paint by applying a special liquid coating over it.
• Enclosure. Resurfacing or covering the surface of the lead-based paint (such as with drywall or aluminum sheathing).
• Removal. Using solvents or other means to remove the lead-based paint from the surface.
• Replacement. Removing and replacing the component that has the lead-based paint.

The particular method used in each case 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. 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 which 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 Responsibility
The University does not permit residents to remodel or renovate any University property without prior approval. The Community Living Standards for Northwood I, II, IV and V states: "any alteration or structural modification of the premises, including an extra cable TV outlet, requires prior written consent from the Community Center."

Questions about lead-based paint in Northwood apartments can be directed to:

• Community Center
  1000 McIntyre Drive
  Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2494
  734-764-0507
• University of Michigan
  Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health
  1239 Kipke Drive
  Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1010
  734-647-1142

You can get more information about preventing lead poisoning from the University's Office of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH). Qualified staff are available at 734-763-5641 or 734-647-1142 to discuss concerns and answer questions.

In addition, health-related information about lead-based paint and children is available from:

• Michigan Department of Community Health
  866-691-5323 (toll-free hotline)
• Washtenaw County Department of Environmental Health
  734-481-2502 (Health Access)
• Washtenaw County Department of Building Inspection

More general information is available from:

• National Lead Information Center
  800-424-LEAD (toll-free number for clearinghouse which provides information to the public, including information on your rights as a lessee)
• Office of Lead Hazard Control
  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  451 7th Street, S.W., Room P-3206
  Washington, DC 20410
  202-755-1785 FAX: 202-755-1000

If you believe or suspect that there is a lead-based paint hazard in your apartment or building (for example, if you see peeling or damaged paint where the paint is separating from the building material), call FIX-IT (763-4948) immediately.