There are many ways to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint — but SOME METHODS OF REMOVING PAINT ACTUALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF LEAD EXPOSURE. It's important to pick the safest method for your project; the goal is to reduce the hazards while creating as little lead dust as possible.
If lead paint on ceilings and walls is in good repair, then painting them or covering them with wallpaper may be all that is needed to keep the lead paint in place.
BUT — if lead paint is chipping or peeling, or if it's on a surface such as a windowsill or stair rail where children can chew on it, then the lead paint (or the painted material) should be removed or covered. Painted surfaces that rub on each other, such as doors and windows, require special attention to stop the friction. And if the paint has been damaged by other problems, such as water damage due to leaks, then the underlying problem should be fixed first.
Lead-based Paint Removal Safety Tips from Get The Lead Out®
- Children and pregnant women must NOT DO any lead paint removal work and they should stay out of the work area until
clean-up is complete;
- Work in one room at a time and seal off the work area from the rest of the house, including all heating and ventilation ductwork using heavy plastic sheets;
- Everything in the room MUST be removed;
- Workers should wear disposable coveralls, shoes, hair covering, goggles and a respirator approved by NIOSH (the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) or MSHA (the Mine Safety and Health Administration);
- Workers should not eat, drink or smoke on the job to avoid ingesting lead;
- Clean up each work area carefully by disposing of coveralls and removing lead dust from clothes with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner.
Removing lead-based paint is dangerous! Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte has many years of lead paint inspection and removal projects in residences, large housing projects, apartment buildings and commercial facilities. To learn more about lead paint inspections and lead paint removal, please call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We look forward to helping you with your next lead paint inspection and lead paint removal project!
