What does "de minimis" refer to under HUD guidelines?

"De minimis" under HUD guidelines refers to the threshold levels of lead-based paint hazards that are considered to be minor enough to not require a full abatement or significant intervention. Specifically, it indicates that if the amount of deteriorated paint is less than 2 square feet on the interior of a building or less than 20 square feet on the exterior, it is regarded as a minimal concern. This designation helps streamline lead hazard assessments and focuses resources on more significant risks that pose a greater threat to health.

The context behind this threshold is primarily grounded in the understanding that small areas of lead paint deterioration may not significantly contribute to lead exposure in the environment compared to larger areas, which would necessitate a more substantial response to protect public health. Therefore, proper identification of these levels is critical for risk assessors in determining the required actions when evaluating properties for lead hazards.