Repainting and Renovating Lead–Based Paint

Consumer paint has not contained lead in decades, however anyone working in an older home or building (built before 1978) may encounter old, lead–based paint. While lead–based paint does not present a hazard when intact (i.e. not chipping, peeling, chalking or otherwise disturbed, if you are contemplating a typical renovation or remodeling project know that it can disturb the painted surface and create lead dust. Special attention should be given when you prepare any old painted surface for repainting. Never use open burning methods, if you scrape, sand or remove old paint by any means you may release lead dust or debris. Lead is toxic and exposure to lead can cause serious illness, such as brain damage, especially in children. Pregnant women should also avoid exposure.

The National Paint and Coating Association (NPCA) is providing the folllowing information on (old) lead–based paint hazards and safeguards to use when undertaking renovation, remodeling or repainting projects.

In the Beginning

If you're like most homeowners, you've probably thought about doing a painting projecto orsome other type of home improvement. It can create a better living space, give you a sense of satisfaction and increased the value of your home. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, there are safety issues to consider before starting the job.

Removing paint that contains lead is the most hazarous part of a painting or home improvement project. Lead paint was used in homes built before 1978 and extensively in homes built before 1960. It was usually applied to windows, doors, stairs, railings, columns, porches, siding and trim. Since these are the places that often need work, many home improvement projects disturb old layers of lead paint and create lead paint dust, chips or fumes. If lead is inhaled or ingested, it may cause lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can result in serious harm to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. Lead is especially dangerous to children and prenant women.

The Fuss About Dust

Choose work methods that create the least amount of dust.

• Hand sand wetted surfaces
• Use chemical strippers (but not those containing methylene chloride)
• Use heat guns (but not those that operate above 700° F)
• Consider buying or renting a HEPA vacuum which can be safely used where ther is leaded dust.

Play it Safe

Always follow these safety guidelines as you work

• Keep children and pregnant women out of the work area.
• Workon one room at a time.
• Rmove as much furniture as you can from the room.
• Cover remaining furniture with 6 mil plastic securely taped in place.
• Close off the work area by taping 6 mil plastic over all doors, windows, the floor, ground and other exposed surfaces.
• Turn off forced–air heating and air conditioning systems and cover vents with 6 mil plastic securely taped in place.
• Allow only workers in the area until the job is complete. Be careful not to track dust out of the work area.
• Don't eat, drink or smoke while in the work area.
• Use a plant mister to wet the work surface before hand scraping and sanding. Mist drop cloths/plastic sheets before rolling up. Misting will suppress dust.
• If others do the work, ensure they follow these work practices to protect your family's health and safety.

The Right Stuff

Using the proper equipment will help you complete hyour job safely.

• Protective clothing (such as safety glasses, disposable gloves, hats, shoe covers and protective clothes)
• 6 mil plastic drop cloths
• Duct tape
• Mops and buckets (two)
• All purpose cleaner or cleaner made just for lead clean–up
• Spray bottles/plant misters
• Disposable rags or paper towels
• Heavy duty plastic bags
• HEPA vacuum

Leave the Scene Clean

Always clean up carefully at the end of each workday.

• Change work clothes and shoes before leaving the work site.
• Wash hands and face immediately after leaving work area.
• Shower and wash hair as soon as possible after work/cleanup is completed
• Wash work clothes separately

At Final Clean–Up

• Place all dust and chips in double garbage bags.
• Carefully roll or fold 6 mil plastic drop cloths inward (keeping the dust from flying around) and discard in double garbage bags.
• Use two buckets for cleaning, one with detergent and one with clean rinse water.
• Wash floors, walls, etc. with an all–purpose cleaner and disposable or paper towels then rinse well. Change rinse water often.
• Dispose of towels in plastic bags.
• Never burn leaded debris.

Take it Off, Slowly

Never use these dangerous paint–removal methods.

• Don't dry scrape
• Don't sandblast
• Don't use an open flame or torch to burn paint.
• Don't power sand
• Don't use methylene chloride
• Don't use heat guns which operate over 700°F

Get the Lead Out

Make sure to test for lead dust when your job is finished.

• Take dust samples to determine whether the final clean–up has been thorough.
• Lead dust test kits are available in many hardware stores.

Dust Sampling

It is recommended that three samples (the floor, a window sill and a window well) be taken in each room where work has been done.

For the Floor:

• Measure a 12 inch by 12 inch square (you may want to outline it with masking tape.)
• Place unpowdered disposiable gloves on hands.
• Take a moist baby wipe or towlette and wipe the area in an "S" pattern from top to bottom. (Avoid wipes that contain aloe or that are scented.)
• Fold wipe with dirty side in.
• Using the clean side, wipe the area in the same "S" pattern from side to side.
• Place wipe in appropriate labeled container.(Contact a lead testing laboratory for specific containers.)

For Window Wells and Window Sills

• Follow the same process as above but the area does not have to be 12 by 12 inches.
• Measure the length and width of the wiped area and record on the sampling form.

Be sure to properly lavel the sample containers.
complete the laboratory form.

Remember to change gloves between samples.
Lead dust on gloves can contaminate samples.

For additional guidance or to get the name of an accredited laboratory to analyze paint or dust samples, contact the EPA's National Lead Information Hotline at 1–800–424–LEAD (5323) or go to www.epa.gov/lead