LEAD BASED PAINT ABATEMENT

Lead can be found in interior and exterior paints or in plumbing as lead pipes or lead solder on copper pipes.  The presence or absence of lead in a building may have many implications.

The value of a property may be greatly reduced due to the presence of lead.  Dangers associated with lead dust from renovation and demolition activities in older buildings and the high costs for lead clean-up or removal by recognized professionals must be realized and passed on to your clients.  Lead is now being placed in the same group as asbestos and urea formaldehyde with regards to reducing the value of a property.  Lead, once identified, becomes a health hazard to contractors and a potential future liability for property owners and the architect responsible for the project.

As a contractor or homeowner you must be aware of and identify the presence or absence of these materials when dealing with renovation projects.  Failure to advise your employees or sub-contractors working on a project of the presence of hazardous materials in and/or on a property may present you with potential future liabilities.  It is your obligation to protect the interests of your client (s), the health and safety of workers, and the natural environment.

LEAD BASED PAINT ABATEMENT

When lead paint is found, and removal is needed, proper removal must be done by a certified contractor. Part of proper removal is; (a) worker protection, protective clothing, respirators, filters etc., (b) air monitoring for lead, (c) engineering controls to prevent exposure, (d) record keeping of medical and other records, (e) worker training, and many more requirements. When a contractor or owner does not meet the requirements, severe fines may be implemented. 

LEAD BASED PAINT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Many people are choosing to renovate their homes rather than move to new ones.  Besides making good economic sense, renovating can be a very rewarding experience.

However, older homes may contain lead‚based paint.  Removing or disturbing old lead‚based paint as part of a renovation project can expose people in your home to a health risk.  So, before you take out the sander, or circular saw, or paint stripping equipment, there are some things you should know about disturbing or removing paint.

We have known for a long time that lead is hazardous to health.  Scientists now realize that even small amounts of lead can be harmful, especially to infants and young children.  In addition, lead taken in by the mother can interfere with the health of the unborn child.

Children are particularly at risk because they absorb lead more easily than adults do.  They are developing rapidly, and are more susceptible to the health hazards of lead.  Children also absorb a higher proportion of lead from other sources (food, water and dust, for example) than adults.  Contaminated dust is a particularly important source of exposure for babies and small children because they can ingest a significant amount of dust through their natural habit of putting things in their mouths.

The degree of lead poisoning varies depending on the amount of lead we are exposed to, and for how long.  Studies show that prolonged exposure of children to even very small amounts of lead is serious.  Depending on the level of exposure, lead can cause anemia, impair the functions of the brain and nervous system, and can result in learning disabilities and an inability to concentrate.

If your home was built before 1978, it was likely painted with lead‚based paint.  Most paints made before 1950 contained large amounts of lead.  In fact, some paint made in the 1940 s contained up to 50 per cent lead by dry weight.  Lead was used to make paint dry quickly and wear well, and to make the colors vibrant.  The amount and kind of lead varies in different types of paint.

You can find out the level of lead in your paint by scientific testing.  X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment is used to test for lead-based paint.

Since the 1950ís, the use of lead has been more common in exterior paint than interior paint.  Between 1950 and 1976, the use of lead in paints decreased significantly.  Owners of homes built after 1980 need not be concerned about lead levels in interior paints.  All post 1992 consumer paint produced in Canada or the U.S. is virtually lead-free.

Lead‚based paint doesn't present a health hazard as long as the paint is not chipping or flaking, and isn't where young children can chew it, for example, on window sills, older painted cribs and toys, etc.  In fact, removing old paint can sometimes result in a more immediate hazard than simply leaving the painted area intact.

Sanding creates paint dust and scatters paint chips through the entire house.  Dust from lead‚based paint can contaminate the air you breathe, everything you touch, and any food that is exposed.  Young children might eat paint chips.  Heat guns vaporize the paint, and can fill the air with leaded fumes.  These fumes, and paint dust can migrate out-of-doors, spreading the lead to soils and gardens, and contributing to the build up of lead throughout the environment.

To lessen any chance of lead exposure, lead-painted surfaces that are still in good condition can be covered with vinyl wallpaper, wallboard or paneling.  In areas that children can t reach, applying one or more coats of nonleaded paint to old but intact surfaces will help.

The safest way to remove lead‚based paint is to hire a licensed professional.  Upon review of the lead inspection, call Environ for free quote.

Through a simple blood test, your family physician can determine how much lead you have been exposed to.  For further information, contact your physician or the Poison Information Center in your area.