Saint Paul, MN Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

144.9501 DEFINITIONS. Subdivision 1. Citation. Sections 144.9501 to 144.9512 may be cited as the "Lead Poisoning Prevention Act." Subd. 2. Applicability. The definitions in this section apply to sections 144.9501 to 144.9512. Subd. 3. Abatement. "Abatement" means any set of measures intended to eliminate known or presumed lead hazards. Abatement includes: (1) the removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, the permanent enclosure or encapsulation of lead-based paint, the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and the removal or enclosure of lead-contaminated soil; and (2) all preparation, cleanup, disposal, and postabatement clearance testing activities associated with these measures. [...] Subd. 8. Deteriorated paint. "Deteriorated paint" means paint that is chipped, peeled, or otherwise separated from its substrate or that is attached to damaged substrate. [...] Subd. 9. Elevated blood lead level. "Elevated blood lead level" means a diagnostic blood lead test with a result that is equal to or greater than 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of whole blood in any person, unless the commissioner finds that a lower concentration is necessary to protect public health. Subd. 10. Encapsulation. "Encapsulation" means covering a surface coated with paint that exceeds the standards under section 144.9508 with a liquid or solid material that adheres to the surface, rather than mechanically attaches to it; or covering bare soil that exceeds the standards under section 144.9508 with a permeable material such as vegetation, mulch, or soil that meets the standards under section 144.9508.