Was your home built before 1978? If so, then if you do any painting or remodeling you or your contractor have to follow new federal guidelines for painting and renovating homes built before 1978. From The Wall Street Journal:
As of late last month, businesses that repair or renovate older buildings—specifically homes, schools and daycare centers built before the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint in housing in 1978—are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adhere to strict lead-safe work practices. To comply with the new regulation, those working on older sites will need to invest in lead-testing kits, plastic sheeting, respirators, protective clothing and other lead-safety materials.