Cal. Civ. Code § 5:17-4.4
Air equipment
Operative Text
(a) Negative air, at a rate of 10 air exchanges per hour, shall be required only when dry sanding or abrasive blasting are used. Dry sanding or abrasive blasting shall be allowed only by variation granted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:17-5.3. (b) Windows, doors, chimneys and other vents or openings shall be closed during abatement. If ventilation is required because of the needs of occupants, or because of chemical fumes, HEPA equipment to filter exhaust and supply clean outside air shall be used.
N.J.A.C. § 5:17-4.4 establishes air-equipment requirements during lead abatement work. Negative air pressure at a rate of 10 air exchanges per hour is only required when dry sanding or abrasive blasting techniques are used, and those techniques themselves are only permitted through a formal variation process. During abatement, all windows, doors, chimneys, and other openings must remain closed, and if ventilation is necessary for occupant safety or to manage chemical fumes, HEPA-filtered equipment must be used to filter exhaust and supply clean outside air.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators conducting lead abatement under N.J.A.C. § 5:17-4.4 generally ensure that negative air systems capable of 10 air exchanges per hour are in place whenever dry sanding or abrasive blasting is authorized by a granted variation under N.J.A.C. 5:17-5.3. Compliant operators keep all windows, doors, chimneys, and vents sealed throughout the abatement process. When ventilation cannot be avoided due to occupant needs or chemical fumes, compliant operators deploy HEPA-rated equipment to filter exhaust air and introduce clean outside air into the work area.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:17-4.4 provides protections related to air quality during lead abatement work in your building, including requirements that openings be sealed and that HEPA filtration be used if ventilation is needed. Tenants who believe these air-equipment standards are not being followed during abatement work may document their observations and raise concerns with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which oversees the lead abatement code under N.J.A.C. § 5:17. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help explain what options may be available when abatement procedures appear to fall short of the standards set by this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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