Cal. Civ. Code § 460.120
Removing and Making Intact Lead-based Paint and Other Coatings
Operative Text
(A) Only the following methods are permissible for removal of lead-based paint, other coating, plaster
or putty.
(1) Wire brushing or wet scraping alone or with the aid of a non-flammable solvent or abrasive
compound not containing methylene chloride. Dry scraping, while permitted, is generally not
recommended because of its dust-generating character.
(2) Hand sanding or machine sanding using a sander equipped with a HEPA filter vacuum to
feather edges and prepare substrate for repainting or sealing.
(3) Controlled, low-level heating element which produces a temperature not exceeding 1,000°F.
(4) Needle gun.
(5) Dip-tank solvent (off-site).
(6) For exterior use only: abrasive blasting using a wet-misting technique or simultaneous
vacuuming system.
(7) Any other method approved by the Director.
(B) All methods not listed in 105 CMR 460.120 or otherwise approved by the Director are
prohibited for use in lead paint removal including, but not limited to:
(1) Torch or flame burning.
(2) Dry abrasive blasting using sand, grit or any particulate except as indicated in 105 CMR
460.120(A).
(3) On-site use of methylene chloride or solutions containing methylene chloride.
(4) Use of potassium or sodium hydroxide-based solutions, except in paste forms on interior
surfaces.
(5) Machine sanding, except as indicated in 105 CMR 460.120(A).
(C) For properties listed on the State Register of Historic Places, the following methods for removing
lead-based paint, other coating, plaster or putty on site, usually in combination, may be appropriate
depending on the substrate and its condition. Any method can cause damage to the substrate if used
improperly. Testing of products and strict controls on workmanship are recommended. For removing
lead-based paint, other coating, plaster or putty from a component or fixture which has been removed
and taken off site, see 105 CMR 460.140.
(1) Softening paint with heat guns, heat plates, or steam.
(2) Stripping with solvent-based, non-caustic chemical solutions.
(3) Scraping, without gouging woodwork.
(4) Sanding, by hand, to finish.
(5) Mechanical sanding with orbital sander with HEPA filter attachment, only as a finishing or
smoothing tool.
(6) Mechanical sanding with belt sander with HEPA filter attachment, only on a flat surface and
by a skilled operator.
(7) Abrasive blasting with sand or other gritty substances, when used with a wet misting technique
or simultaneous vacuuming system, only in the following situations:
(a) Industrial interior masonry or wood surfaces without significant design, detailing, tooling,
or finish.
(b) Cast and wrought iron and steel.
(c) Concrete.
(d) Delicate abrasive cleaning supervised by an architectural conservator.
(8) Any other method approved by the Director to be used in properties listed on the State
Register of Historic Places.
(D) All leaded materials and/or lead residues shall be disposed of in accordance with applicable
regulations of the Department of Environmental Protection, all applicable federal regulations including,
but not limited to, those of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental
Protection Agency, and all applicable local regulations and ordinances.Section 105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.120 establishes which methods may and may not be used when removing lead-based paint, coatings, plaster, or putty from residential or other regulated properties in Massachusetts. A specific list of approved techniques—such as wet scraping, HEPA-equipped sanding, low-level heat elements, and needle guns—is permitted, while high-risk methods like open-flame burning, dry abrasive blasting, and on-site use of methylene chloride are expressly prohibited. Properties listed on the State Register of Historic Places are subject to a separate, tailored set of allowable methods. All lead-containing waste generated during removal must be disposed of in compliance with state, federal, and local environmental regulations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing lead paint removal work covered by 105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.120 generally ensure that only the enumerated approved methods are used on their properties—such as wet scraping, HEPA-filter-equipped sanding, or controlled low-level heat—and that prohibited techniques like torch burning or dry abrasive blasting are never employed. For properties on the State Register of Historic Places, compliant operators typically verify that any method used falls within the specialized list provided under section 460.120(C) or has been approved by the Director. Operators also confirm that all leaded debris and residues are disposed of according to the Department of Environmental Protection, HUD, EPA, and applicable local requirements, as mandated by section 460.120(D).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in properties where lead paint removal work is being performed have an interest in knowing that 105 Mass. Code Regs. 460.120 restricts which removal methods can legally be used, since prohibited techniques—like open-flame burning or dry abrasive blasting—can generate dangerous lead dust or fumes. If a tenant believes that unsafe or prohibited removal methods are being used in their home, general enforcement paths include contacting the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or a local board of health, which oversees lead paint regulations in the state. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what protections apply under section 460.120 and what options may be available when those protections appear to have been violated.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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