Lead paint can cause lead poisoning. It’s a serious health hazard, particularly for kids age 6 or younger. This comes from lead dust because of the deterioration of the paint. When intact, the lead paint is less dangerous, but that can change at any time. In 1978 lead paint was banned for residential painting projects. Homes built before that time have a high risk of containing lead paint. Its health hazards and risks increase during construction due to the increase in lead paint flakes, peeling, chipping, or dust.
If you follow precautionary measures, you can avoid all these hazards. There are secure methods for replacing lead paint.
When You Remove Lead Paint:
You should follow these steps to minimize your family's exposure to lead paint.
- Use proper safety equipment to protect yourself as you work.
- Remove furniture and curtains and have them cleaned to remove any dust.
- Clean all floors, window frames, and sills with mild-warm water
- Remove shoes to avoid carrying lead-contaminated dirt in other areas
Lead Paint Encapsulants
Lead paint encapsulants are a temporary solution for lead paint. An encapsulant is a layer of protective coating that covers the lead paint in order to prevent lead paint dust from entering the air. Over time, this coating may wear off during regular opening and closing of doors, windows, etc. You can find these products in different price ranges, which are for different purposes. You can otherwise consult a professional painter who will suggest which one to opt for.
Issues With Encapsulants
As mentioned above an encapsulant is not a permanent solution. If any part of the encapsulant wears down over time, this can allow the lead paint to become airborne again. This is why encapsulants are not recommended for door/window frames. Additionally, when you remodel a home, if there are encapsulants present, you will destroy the encapsulant during the process. This is why you should have walls tested before you begin a remodel.
Removal
There are different removal methods including wire brushing or scraping methods using liquid paint removers. Some methods involving sanding off the paint and vacuuming up the chips as they are removed. Choosing the right method is important, and many homeowners simply opt to have it done professionally. After it is done it is recommended that you call a different team to do a test to make sure the lead paint was fully removed.
Do Not Use The Following Methods For Lead Paint Removal.
Do not use flame burning, torching, blasting, power washing as a means of lead paint removal. Each of these options can cause significant danger or risks to occupants and neighbors.
Lead Paint Testing in Greater Boston
If you are worried about lead paint in your home or office, our team can help. We provide unbiased lead paint testing services to clients throughout Greater Boston. Call today to set up an appointment.
