The property has to be built before 1978 in order for it to fall under the law. It does not matter if the lead based paint was removed or encapsulated either. It still falls under the law. I'm sure if the colorants do contain detectable levels of lead, the amount of lead is obviously not an illegal amount.

What is the job of a lead abatement rep? Why are you talking to one? I think what we really have to be careful about here is going overboard with this whole protecting yourself from lead business. I suppose these lead abatement firms could start popping up everywhere claiming we need to do this and that in order to safely remove lead from our lives. I think we need to question these guys now, and I would especially be worried if some guy told me that I have to follow the EPA regs when sanding paint that I applied last week when lead based paint was outlawed over 30 years ago.

Here is a link that might be useful: Government scams

What is the job of a lead abatement rep? Why are you talking to one?

In my state, lead abatement (removal) has to be done by certified individuals/companies. I have a situation where I need peeling wallpaper and lead paint removed. Yes, it really does have to be removed, that wallpaper is falling off the walls and absolutely can't be painted over and the lead paint is flaking off.

Since I rent this house, not own it, I have to toe the line on these rules. (Don't ask why I'm the one calling the lead abatement folks and not my landlord. It's a long and bitter story and you don't want to get me started.)

I would especially be worried if some guy told me that I have to follow the EPA regs when sanding paint that I applied last week when lead based paint was outlawed over 30 years ago.

Right there with ya.

I think I would call in another lead paint abatement company for a second opinion.