La. Stat. Ann. § R.S. 40:1285.6
Sale and use of lead-based paint and other similar lead-based surface coating material restricted; penalties
Operative Text
§1285.6. Sale and use of lead-based paint and other similar lead-based surface coating material restricted; penalties A. No person shall knowingly sell, offer for sale, apply or cause to be applied lead-based paint or similar surface coating material, manufactured after the effective date of this Section, intended for use of the following surfaces or articles: (1) Interior surfaces of any dwelling, (2) Exterior surfaces of any dwelling such as window sills, porches, stairs or railings, to which children under six years of age may be commonly exposed, (3) Toys or other articles intended for use by children, (4) Residential furniture and fixtures that can be readily chewed by children, and (5) Cooking, eating and drinking utensils. B.(1) No person shall knowingly sell or offer for sale any other lead-based paint or similar surface coating material that may be purchased by the general public unless the container is clearly labeled as to its intended use and bears on the principal display panel the word "WARNING" and the following statement: "Contains lead. Dried film of this paint may be harmful if eaten or chewed." (2) The following cautionary statement, or its practical equivalent, shall be placed on the label but need not be part of the warning statement on the principal display panel: "Do not apply on toys and other children's articles, furniture, or interior surfaces of any dwelling. Do not apply on those exterior surfaces of any dwelling, such as window sills, porches, stairs, or railings, to which children may be commonly exposed. Keep Out Of The Reach of Children." (3) The type size of this labeling shall be in accordance with the requirements for precautionary labeling under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. §1260 (1970). C. No person shall knowingly sell, expose for sale, deliver, give away or possess with intent to sell, deliver or give away, any toy or other article intended for use by children, residential furniture, cooking, drinking or eating utensil manufactured after January 1, 1973 to which any lead-based paint or similar surface coating material has been applied. D. Any paint or other similar surface coating material shall be deemed to be lead-based when it contains lead compounds in excess of the Federal standard for lead content in residential paints established under Federal laws and regulations. E. Any person who violates the provisions of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each violation. Any person who willfully violates the provisions of this Section shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three months for each violation. F. Any article of personal property in violation of this Section may be embargoed by the state health officer. G. This Section shall become effective on January 1, 1973.
La. R.S. § 40:1285.6 restricts the sale, application, and distribution of lead-based paint and similar surface coatings in Louisiana. Specifically, it prohibits their use on interior dwelling surfaces, on exterior areas where young children are commonly exposed, and on toys, children's articles, furniture, and food-related utensils. Paint containing lead that is still legally sold to the general public must carry specific warning labels meeting federal labeling standards, and violations can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 per violation, with willful violations potentially carrying a short jail term.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Louisiana law should be aware that La. R.S. § 40:1285.6 prohibits the knowing application of lead-based paint on interior dwelling surfaces and on exterior areas—such as window sills, porches, stairs, and railings—where children under six may be commonly exposed. Compliant operators generally ensure that any paint or surface coating products used in residential settings meet federal lead-content standards and that contractors they hire are similarly informed of these restrictions. Keeping records of the materials used in renovations or maintenance can help demonstrate adherence to the provision's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under La. R.S. § 40:1285.6, tenants in Louisiana have the protection of a state law that prohibits landlords and others from knowingly applying lead-based paint on interior surfaces or on child-accessible exterior areas of dwellings. If a tenant believes this provision has been violated—for example, if lead-containing paint was applied in a unit where young children reside—they may consider contacting the Louisiana Department of Health, which has authority to embargo non-compliant materials, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance. Documenting any suspected lead-paint applications and understanding the labeling requirements described in the provision can be useful when exploring available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 20, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation