Got Lead Problems? We Are Standing By To Help.
Lead is an excellent pigment, providing good coverage in low concentrations. It also has excellent durability, which minimizes the need for frequent repainting. Unfortunately, it’s toxic. In young children lead can easily move from the blood into the brain. Add to this the common habit of young children putting things (like bits of flaked paint) into their mouths and lead paint represents a serious health issue. Lead disrupts several bodily processes. The most serious is its interference with the function of the brain. This can produce learning disability, which can be permanent if the dose is high enough.
In recognition of this serious health problem, governments around the world have restricted or banned the use of lead in paint. In 1977, The US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) banned lead paint from use in residences. While this significant action stopped the use of lead paint from 1978 forward, it did not address the tons of lead paint that was already in place. Remember, this stuff is really durable. The bottom line is that houses built before 1978 should be managed as if they have lead paint unless testing proves that they do not.
The two factors in assessing risk in an older home are; 1) the presence of lead paint, 2) the condition of the paint. Checking for the presence of lead paint is done through a process called a paint inspection. Checking the condition of the paint is a process called a risk assessment. A paint inspection will provide information about lead concentrations in the various paints in the home. The risk assessment goes a step further by providing an opinion about the condition of the paint and offering possible next steps.
If a risk assessment guides towards removing the paint or if a renovation is planned which will disturb lead paint, controls will be needed. Handy individuals can do the work themselves, but should only do so cautiously. Factors to consider for the DYIer include, if a young child lives in the home or frequently visits, and if the work can be done in a limited time, such as a single weekend. Any attempt should be well planned. All materials, including safety gear, should be obtained before starting. The techniques should be completely researched and understood before starting. This is not a figure-it-out-as-you-go job.
If a contractor is hired, the work will be done under one of two standards. The Renovation, Repair, and Painting rules apply to general trade contractors. These rules are known as “lead-safe”. The goal is to do normal trade work with awareness of the lead problem so that the work can be performed without creating a hazard. In this case, lead paint is not the focus but is incidental to the job. The higher standard is lead abatement. The goal of abatement is to remove the lead. This is a highly specialized area with many requirements and certifications. While an abatement does eliminate the hazard, the process is highly disruptive of the residents.
Lead is a serious residential hazard when present. Fortunately, it is well understood and techniques for effective management have been developed. Walking through each specific situation can lead to a plan that will work.
Our experts are ready to help you with any of your lead abatement needs.
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