What does "deteriorated paint" refer to?

Deteriorated paint specifically refers to paint that shows visible signs of wear or damage, such as cracking, flaking, or peeling. This condition is significant in the context of lead abatement since such deterioration can indicate the potential for lead dust or chips to be present, posing a health risk, especially in older structures where lead-based paints were commonly used.

Understanding this definition is crucial for identifying hazardous situations and implementing appropriate lead abatement measures. Other characteristics of paint, such as being applied improperly or being completely intact, do not denote deterioration and thus do not pose the same health risks associated with lead exposure. Similarly, paint that is not visible does not provide the context necessary for assessing safety or conditions that may require abatement actions.