Get The Lead Out - Lead Paint & Asbestos Inspection

Charlotte Lead Paint Inspections for Section 8 Housing

2012-02-24T16:22:00.001-05:00

Get The Lead Out® just began working with a client who resides in Section 8 housing with the Charlotte Housing Authority. This particular problem deals with black, bioorganic growth called mold. And mold identification and safe removal is a common challenge for many homes and homeowners across Charlotte. But so is the detection of lead paint.

Get The Lead Out® provides a turnkey, professional lead paint inspection and abatement program for Section 8 Housing across Greater Charlotte. Our lead paint inspectors are highly-trained, skilled and experienced at identifying possible lead paint presence and associated dangers.

Because so many of our Charlotte Section 8 Housing was built prior to 1978, there is a probability that lead-based paint was used in the construction or renovation process. It’s our job at Get The Lead Out® to work with the Charlotte Housing Authority on safely and professionally inspecting Section 8 Housing for the presence of lead paint.

Please call Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.com. Do not deal with the removal of lead paint or lead substances on your own! Or please call the Charlotte Housing Authority to obtain proper and professional lead paint inspection and removal specialists like Get The Lead Out®. We’re large enough to serve you, yet small enough to care!

What Does Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte Do with Lead Paint Inspections?

2012-02-17T15:11:00.001-05:00

Since 1993, Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte has performed thousands of lead paint inspections on homes, apartment buildings, commercial and educational buildings, and even garages and workshops. We started Get The Lead Out® almost 19 years ago to become the premier lead paint inspection, testing and removal company serving Charlotte and the Carolinas.

“Probably the biggest question we get on almost a daily basis is ‘how do you test for the presence of lead paint in my house?’” says Pete Hubicki of Get The Lead Out®. “Our answer is always the same: It’s part scientific, part experience, part explorer, and part problem-solver.”

Lead Paint Inspections in Charlotte

Get The Lead Out® is a full-service property inspection, remediation, and management services firm dedicated to providing superior environmental inspection and testing. Our profession is dangerous because we work with dangerous substances like lead paint, mold, asbestos and radon gas. We always mitigate the danger because we are extremely safe and approach each project with experience and scientific exploration to virtually eliminate our risk of exposure.

Lead paint inspections are scientific exploration and collection of suspected lead paint material in your home, school or church. Our licensed lead paint inspectors visit your property and carefully collect specimens from strategic points throughout your home. We then transport these specimens to the laboratory to examine them closely under microscopic conditions to determine if there is a presence of lead in the samples we collected.

If the report shows a presence of lead paint in your home, we can then work with you on several plans of approach to safely remove the lead and make your home safe and lead-free.

“Our lead paint inspectors are educated, trained, experienced and licensed before they join our team,” said Hubicki. “We take the dangers of lead paint seriously because our homeowners and customers are depending on us to identify possible presence and then safely and professionally remove the offending lead paint presence.”

If your home was built before 1978, there could be a good chance that lead fibers or lead paint were used in the initial construction of your home. Please call Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.com. Do not deal with the removal of lead paint or lead substances on your own! Disturbing the lead from paint or pipe wrapping could cause lead-contaminated dust to be freed and inhaled by you or your children.

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Charlotte Lead Paint Inspections for Home and Apartment Renters

2012-02-10T16:06:00.001-05:00

Get The Lead Out® receives many inquiries about lead paint inspections for rental homes and apartments. Is the landlord responsible for testing your rental for the presence of lead paint? Is the landlord required to let you know if your rental unit has lead paint within your premises?

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.

Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting a pre-1978 house:

LANDLORDS must disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint.

In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint. And we have many subdivisions and homes around Greater Charlotte that were built prior to 1978. It is part of our city’s charm and attraction. All landlords are required to tell both their new and old tenants if they know of any lead based paint in the apartment or rental home. The landlord also must give tenants any reports that he may have concerning any tests for lead paint in the apartment.

There are federal laws which help protect home and apartment renters from the dangers of lead paint. You can always contact the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) by visiting their website here. Get The Lead Out® is a certified and professionally-licensed lead paint inspection and lead paint removal company.

If you would like to learn more about lead paint inspections and lead paint safety, please contact Pete Hubicki of Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We can help apartment owners and landlords with the professional testing for the presence of lead paint and the removal of lead paint if it is found!

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FHA 203K Rehab Loans with Charlotte Lead Paint Inspection Company Get The Lead Out

2012-02-03T11:04:00.001-05:00

Charlotte homeowners have heard quite a bit lately about FHA 203k Rehab loans for residential purchase and renovation projects. Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte is an experienced and highly-qualified lead paint and asbestos inspection and removal company that can assist you with required 203k loan requirements for these environmental inspections.

Get The Lead Out® wants you to know what the FHA 203k Rehab loan program will cover. The eligible homeowners can receive up to $35,000 for eligible residential renovations like:

Repair/replacement roofs, gutters and downspouts

Repair/replacement/upgrade of existing HV AC systems

Repair/replacement/upgrade of plumbing and

Electrical systems

Repair/replacement of existing flooring

Minor remodeling that does not involve structural repairs

Exterior and interior painting

Weatherization: including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.

Appliances — purchase and installation is included. Appliances may include freestanding ranges, refrigerators,

Washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwaves.

Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards

Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches

Basement finishing and remodeling that does not involve structural repairs

Basement waterproofing

Window and door replacements and exterior wall residing

Septic system and/or well repair or replacement

Improvements to accessibility for persons with disabilities

For lead-based paint stabilization — costs above and beyond that paid for by HUD when it sells real estate owned (REO).

Meet with your mortgage company or lender to apply and learn more about this popular FHA 203k Rehab loan program. Then, rely on Get The Lead Out® to perform your lead paint, asbestos and mold inspections and removals!

Call Pete Hubicki with Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz for more information about our lead paint inspection, asbestos inspection and mold remediation programs!

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Charlotte 203k FHA Loan Funds and Required Lead Paint Inspections!

2012-01-26T11:16:00.001-05:00

One of the approved uses for 203k loan funds is for the stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint. If the house you are considering to purchase was built prior to 1978, a lead paint inspection can identify the location of any lead paint. After Get The Lead Out® stabilizes or removes any lead paint, our clearance testing will show that thee is no hazardous lead dust remaining in the house.

Many of the 203k FHA loans in our Greater Charlotte area are used for the acquisition and remodeling of vacant houses. If a house has been sitting vacant for a time, mold might be an issue. Get The Lead Out® can test the house for the presence of mold, identify the type of spore, determine where the moisture is entering the house, and recommend a mold removal action plan.

The 203k FHA home loan program is an exciting and unique type of program for homeowners who enjoy the architectural history and beautiful “age” of homes around our Greater Charlotte area.

We can help you with any type of environmental, lead paint or mold inspections and removal. Please call Pete Hubicki with Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We look forward to working with you and your 203k FHA home loan process!

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Is a 203k FHA Home Loan Right for You?

2012-01-20T14:45:00.001-05:00

Get The Lead Out® is excited about the recent surge in popularity about the 203k FHA Home Loan program! 203(k) loans are becoming more popular than ever. This is because there are so many foreclosures on the market that need repairs.

203(k) loans will allow you to do repairs up to FHA limits in your area, but have a minimum of $5,000 that goes toward repairs. This loan allows a customer to finance the purchase price, or the existing balance, and the cost of improvements into the loan amount.

There is one closing and funds are held into an escrow account and dispersed as work is completed. The program has the same guidelines as the regular FHA program and can be combined with the HUD $100 down program. You can have up to 6 months to complete the work!

Get The Lead Out® performs lead paint inspections and mold inspections for 203k FHA home loan programs. Our professional lead paint and mold inspection teams will perform an overall inspection and alert you and your bank to the presence of lead paint, lead dust or mold. If the presence is discovered, we can safely manage the removal of the lead paint and mold.

To find out more about our lead paint inspections and mold inspection programs for the 203k FHA home loan process, please call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We can work directly with you or your lender!

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Get The Lead Out® Provides Inspections for Charlotte FHA 203K Home Loans

2012-01-12T15:59:00.001-05:00

One of the best pieces of financial news to hit the Charlotte mortgage and home buyer’s market is the FHA 203K home loan. Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte is working with lenders and home buyers because there are so many foreclosures on the market that need repairs.

203(k) loans will allow you to do repairs up to FHA limits, but have a minimum of $5,000 that goes toward repairs. This loan allows a customer to finance the purchase price, or the existing balance, and the cost of improvements into the loan amount. There is one closing and funds are held into an escrow account and dispersed as work is completed. The program has the same guidelines as the regular FHA program and can be combined with the HUD $100 down program. You can have up to 6 months to complete the work, which is very generous.

One of the approved uses for 203k loan funds is for the stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint. If the house was built prior to 1978, a lead paint inspection can identify the location of any lead paint. After we stabilize or remove the lead paint, our clearance testing will show that there is no hazardous lead dust remaining in the house.

Many of the 203k loans are used for the acquisition and remodeling of vacant houses. If a house has been sitting vacant for a time, mold might be an issue. We can test the house for the presence of mold, identify the type of spore, determine where the moisture is entering the house that is permitting the mold to grow, and recommend a removal action plan.

Over the next few weeks, Get The Lead Out® will be posting more information about this awesome FHA 203K home loan program available here in Charlotte. For lead paint, asbestos and mold inspections, please contact Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We can assist you with the inspections and removal portion of your FHA 203K loan!

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Charlotte Asbestos and Lead Paint Inspection & Abatement Company Earns “Best of Charlotte” Ecological Engineers Award for 2011

2011-12-21T15:50:00.003-05:00

“I am pleased to announce that Get The Lead Out® has been selected for the 2011 Best of Charlotte Award in the Ecological Engineers category by the US Commerce Association,” said Pete Hubicki of Get The Lead Out®. “We are all excited about receiving the ‘Best of Charlotte’ award for the third consecutive year.”

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

“Since we began Get The Lead Out® back in 1993, our goal has always been to excel in providing the knowledge, professional training, certifications and experience to our Charlotte customers,” added Hubicki. “We are proud to serve Charlotte home and business owners with top-notch, professional, trusted asbestos and lead paint inspections and abatement services. We've always said that our company is large enough to serve you and small enough to care.”

For more information on the asbestos and lead paint services offered by Get The Lead Out®, please call Pete Hubicki at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We look forward to serving you in 2012!

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Free Asbestos & Mesothelioma Awareness Wrist Bands - Charlotte Asbestos Awareness

2011-12-08T15:36:00.001-05:00

Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte would like to present more information to Charlotte residents about the dangers of asbestos removal and the terrible lung cancer of Mesothelioma. Part of our education effort is to pass along opportunities for the Greater Charlotte public to become more aware of both.

When a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, family and friends may not be sure how to support their loved one. Because of its rarity, mesothelioma can make a patient feel isolated or alone. While there are many opportunities to help care for and comfort their friend, sometimes a touching gesture is simple one of solidarity.

Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte would like you to know that the Mesothelioma Center offers free mesothelioma and asbestos awareness wristbands to patients and their families and friends. These bands can help wearers feel more connected while spreading awareness about the cancer. Patients and their loved ones can wear a wristband as a reminder of the ongoing fight for a cure. Click here to request your free wrist bands.

If you would like to learn more about safe and professional asbestos removal practices or asbestos inspections in Charlotte, please call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. Get The Lead Out® has 18+ years of experience in asbestos inspections and asbestos abatement (removal).

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Where Can I find Asbestos in My Charlotte NC Home?

2011-11-23T09:32:00.001-05:00

Get The Lead Out® is a trusted, professional asbestos inspection and asbestos abatement (removal) company with full certifications and licenses. We have been working with homeowners, commercial buildings, apartment properties, and government agencies on asbestos inspections and asbestos abatement since 1993. Clients trust us.

Where Can I Find Asbestos And When Can It Be A Problem?

Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain asbestos that could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Common products that might have contained asbestos in the past, and conditions which may release fibers, include:

STEAM PIPES, BOILERS, and FURNACE DUCTS insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. These materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly.
RESILIENT FLOOR TILES (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on VINYL SHEET FLOORING, and ADHESIVES used for installing floor tile. Sanding tiles can release fibers. So may scraping or sanding the backing of sheet flooring during removal.
CEMENT SHEET, MILLBOARD, and PAPER used as insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves. Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibers. So may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling or sawing insulation.
DOOR GASKETS in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use.
SOUNDPROOFING OR DECORATIVE MATERIAL sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly, or water-damaged material may release fibers. So will sanding, drilling or scraping the material.
PATCHING AND JOINT COMPOUNDS for walls and ceilings, and TEXTURED PAINTS. Sanding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos.
ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOFING, SHINGLES, and SIDING. These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, drilled or cut.
ARTIFICIAL ASHES AND EMBERS sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces. Also, other older household products such as FIREPROOF GLOVES, STOVE-TOP PADS, IRONING BOARD COVERS, and certain HAIRDRYERS.
AUTOMOBILE BRAKE PADS AND LININGS, CLUTCH FACINGS, and GASKETS.

Get The Lead Out® asbestos inspectors and asbestos abatement professionals are highly-trained, certified, tested and experienced in working with and around asbestos. Our professionals regularly attend government-mandated courses and workshops where we are given mock setups to learn new procedures like building containment areas. OSHA and EPA require us to participate in refresher seminars every year. We are dedicated to training and educating our asbestos professionals to be the best-equipped and the best-certified in our Charlotte area.

If you would like to learn more about our professional asbestos inspections and asbestos abatement programs, please call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. Homeowners, shopping center operators, public building agencies, and business owners have trusted Get The Lead Out® since 1993!

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When You Should Hire a Professional Asbestos Testing & Asbestos Abatement Company

2011-11-18T15:15:00.001-05:00

Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte would like you to know that because asbestos can be found in a number of materials, some companies employ professionals who are trained in one specific type of asbestos abatement. Some may handle only roofing. Others may handle only plumbing. Or only flooring. Get The Lead Out® inspects and manages abatement of all asbestos products and locations.

Get The Lead Out® professionals are trained to use safety measures like polyethylene sheeting, waste disposal bags and HEPA filtration systems. That’s why abatement performed by a licensed company like outs is less likely to result in bystander exposure than abatement performed by someone who is untrained.

Reducing the risk of asbestos inhalation is one of the most important benefits of hiring an asbestos abatement company like Get The Lead Out®!

Why Choose Get The Lead Out® for Professional Asbestos Abatement?

We inspect your house or building and identify materials that may contain asbestos
We take samples of suspicious materials and obtain laboratory testing
We draft a removal plan that includes the location of asbestos, the best way for it to be corrected, and the procedures by which the asbestos will be handled
We perform and manage the physical removal of asbestos
We monitor air quality during and after the abatement
We dispose of all asbestos and remove all contaminated materials from the worksite

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Lead Paint Project Designer Certification Earned by Pete Hubicki of Get The Lead Out in Charlotte NC

2011-11-08T09:06:00.000-05:00

Charlotte-based Get The Lead Out® announces that Peter M. Hubicki, principal scientist at Get The Lead Out®, has earned the Lead Project Designer certification from the Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) of the State of North Carolina. The Project Designer certification allows Hubicki to legally work as a Lead Project Designer on large lead paint-based abatement projects like multi-family apartment units.

Get The Lead Out® and Pete Hubicki have been performing lead paint inspections and abatement since the company opened in 1993. Lead paint abatement is the safe and managed containment and removal of lead-based paint that exists in older apartment buildings, homes, businesses or child care facilities around our state.

“The certification of the word ‘Design’ means a written or graphic plan prepared by a certified project designer specifying how a lead paint abatement project will be performed,” said Hubicki. “This includes, but is not limited to, scope of work and technical specifications of the lead paint abatement project. “

With the Lead Designer certification, Hubicki becomes one of only three licensed and certified lead paint abatement design professionals in Charlotte. The certification allows Hubicki and his company, Get The Lead Out®, to legally manage much larger multi-family apartment projects.

“All across the state of North Carolina there are older, larger multi-family apartment communities that are in need of remodeling and repair,” says Hubicki. “Many of these older communities were constructed prior to 1978 when the use of lead-based paint was routine.”

The Project Designer certification allows Hubicki and Get The Lead Out® to draft and create Occupant Protection Plans for larger lead-based paint abatement projects. "Occupant Protection Plan means a written plan which describes the measures and management procedures that will be taken during abatement to protect building occupants from exposure to lead-based paint hazards,” adds Hubicki. “The plan shall be unique to each residential dwelling or child-occupied facility.”

Get The Lead Out® performs lead paint testing and lead paint abatement projects across the southeast and has been selected by the Hilton Hotel chain to provide these services should a natural disaster, like a hurricane, harm one of their properties.

For information on lead paint inspection schedules and costs, please call Pete Hubicki at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

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Charlotte Lead Paint Inspection & Abatement Company Earns NC Lead Project Designer Certification

2011-10-29T10:45:00.001-04:00

About Get The Lead Out®

Get The Lead Out® is a Charlotte-based environmental company that specializes in lead paint, asbestos, mold and radon gas testing and abatement services. Since 1993, Get The Lead Out® has worked with thousands of homeowners, property managers, government agencies, and commercial properties on these environmental safety projects. For assistance in your next lead paint or asbestos inspection or removal project, please call Pete Hubicki at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

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Dangers of Removing Lead-based Paint from your Charlotte Home!

2011-10-18T14:56:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® wants you to know more about the dangers of removing lead-based paint from older Charlotte homes! Before the 1970s, household paint often contained lead. As lead paint ages, it can chip or crumble into dust. Exposure to lead-paint dust or chips can cause serious health problems. Children and pregnant women are at higher risk. So, if you live in or own an older home, you need to know how to protect yourself and others if you detect and remove lead paint.

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!

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Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23-29, 2011 - You Can Help Educate Our Charlotte Community on Lead Paint Testing & Poison Prevention

2011-10-10T13:29:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® is joining the National Centers for Disease Control to help spread the word about children and the dangers of exposure to lead paint and lead paint poisoning! National Lead Poisoning Prevention week is October 23-29, 2011.

Please watch this video and share the video link with young people and their families to help educate more people in our Charlotte community about the dangers of lead paint poisoning!

Over the next few weeks, Get The Lead Out® will be working to promote the October 23-29 week and conducting lead paint testing at homes and buildings across the Greater Charlotte area. If you would like to learn more about lead paint testing, including the basic lead paint test prices, please contact Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. Please spread the word about Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to be held October 23-29, 2011. Thank you for your help!

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Get The Lead Out® Prepares You for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week!

2011-09-29T16:22:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® is participating again this year in the National Lead Poisoning Prevention week to be held October 23-29, 2011. This important program is sponsored every year by the Centers for Disease Control. They do a fantastic job with getting the word out through national and local media every year to try to educate as many people as possible about the dangers of lead poisoning.

This year’s media push includes so many unique and interactive tools for companies and educators to use through the Internet. We are sharing one of those tools right here on our Blog post. To view the tips, just press the “Previous” or “Next” button. Get your kids to sit with you at the computer and talk with them about these easy-to-understand tips on lead poisoning safety.

CDC Image Widget.
Flash Player 9 or above is required.

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Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23-29 2011

2011-09-23T10:43:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® is launching a special four-week promotional and marketing campaign to alert residents, schools, and businesses about Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to be held October 23-29, 2011.

Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children, yet an estimated 250,000 U.S. children have elevated blood-lead levels. A simple blood test can prevent permanent damage that will last a lifetime. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte are committed to eliminating this burden to public health.

This year's NLPPW theme, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," underscores the importance of testing your home, testing your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning’s serious health effects.

Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:

Get your Home Tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
Get your Child Tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.

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Apartment Owners and New EPA Requirements for Apartment Renovations

2011-09-16T15:09:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® works with apartment and property owners across the south and southeast on lead paint testing and inspection programs and asbestos testing and removal projects.

We always like to keep our apartment and property owners updated with the latest requirements, guidelines and laws introduced by the EPA with respect to remodeling and renovating their properties.

2011 has been an active year for the EPA in introducing new requirements for apartment and property owners on how they must interact with their tenants with respect to apartment and property remodeling and renovations.

New EPA Requirements for Apartment Owners & Building Renovations

EPA now requires apartment owners to post signs where they will be seen BEFORE work starts and must provide the following info: Describe the renovation work location… type of work being done… dates of work start & completion… & “Renovate Right” brochures for tenants or how to get a free copy.

60 days before the work starts, the Renovator firm must provide copies of the “Renovate Right Brochure” to the building owner or the property manager. In addition, the owner or property manager must provide the Renovator with written acknowledgement that the “Renovate Right Brochure” has been received at least seven(7) days prior to the lead-based paint renovation work starting. And the tenant living in the apartment where the lead-based paint removal work is to be done must also be given a copy of the “Renovate Right” brochure.

The certification notice from the owner/property manager must include name of person receiving “Renovate Right Brochure” property address… unit number being work on… date… and method of delivery of “Renovate Right” brochure.

Apartment owners and property managers can contact Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz to find out more information about proper lead paint and asbestos testing for apartment buildings. We look forward to serving your unique needs!

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Charlotte Lead Paint Testing Company Earns “Best of Charlotte Environmental” Company Award for the 4th Year in 2011

2011-09-09T14:09:00.001-04:00

Charlotte lead paint testing and asbestos testing company Get The Lead Out® has been selected for the 2011 Best of Charlotte Award in the Environmental & Ecological Services category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) for the 4th consecutive year.

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

“We are very excited to receive this Charlotte environmental award again in 2011,” said Pete Hubicki of Get The Lead Out®. “Our lead paint testing, asbestos testing and mold remediation professionals undergo consistent training to provide the best and latest counseling and service to our customers.”

Call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz to learn more about our lead paint and asbestos testing programs for residential, government, apartment housing and commercial buildings!

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East Coast NC Hurricane Irene Emergency Lead Paint & Asbestos Testing from Get The Lead Out

2011-08-26T15:03:00.000-04:00

Get The Lead Out is in full Emergency Deployment Mode to assist our East Coast hotel, commercial, and multi-family property clients with any possible lead paint or asbestos inspection/removal needs.

We realize that the brutal strength of strong tropical storms and hurricane-force winds bring terrible destruction to older properties, especially those built prior to 1978. Lead paint and asbestos were used in building products and processes during that time.

We are posting this message in case any of our East Coast clients have lost telephone lines and still have Internet or cell phone access and need to contact us in an emergency.

Get The Lead Out can be reached at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

We are praying for all of our customers, friends, family and fellow residents along the Eastern Seaboard for a safe outcome from Hurricane Irene.

Lead Paint and EPA New Rule Exemptions for Working with Lead Paint

2011-08-26T14:34:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® keeps all of our customers informed as to the latest rules and guidelines from the EPA with regards to Lead Paint inspections, Lead Paint testing, and Lead Paint removal. Because we work with so many large apartment communities, government properties, and hotel properties, we always want our clients to understand the regulations when 100% knowledge is not present about Lead Paint contamination or presence.

There are some exemptions to the new EPA rules for working with Lead Paint.

Small lead-based Repairs & Maintenance Fix-ups are excluded as follows:

Excluded Lead-based Work:

Interior work that disturbs less than 6 feet.
Exterior work that is 20 feet or less that DO NOT involve;
window replacement
demolition
projects involving prohibited practices (e.g. torch removal of paint)
Renovations that involve identified/specific lead-free components.

Also exempted are senior housing and commercial buildings where children under 6 years of age DO NOT visit more than:

2 or more days/week
3 or more hours/visit
6 or more hours/week
60 or more hours/year

The EPA regulations and rules can be confusing when it comes to Lead Paint safety. We at Get The Lead Out® will always want to reside on the side of safety and real-world knowledge of the presence of dangerous Lead Paint prior to any type of remodeling, painting or refurbishing work is done.

To find out more about our Lead Paint testing, inspecting and removing programs, please call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

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Apartment Lead Paint Inspections - EPA Gets Tough on Apartment Property Owners

2011-08-18T15:11:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out ® wants to advise our multi-tenant property owners that new EPA lead removal laws went into effect on April 22, 2011 and require owners to take pro-active measures to remove any and all lead paint from their properties. If you haven’t had your property inspected and tested you should do ASAP — especially if your property was built prior to 1978.

EPA fines are steep and expect competent contractors removing and handling lead-based paint work to increase their prices for doing work on pre-1978 buildings.

Tenants and their attorneys will no doubt focus on whether you’re in compliance or not — even if there is NO lead poisoning issue; lead-based paint or not could get you fined for a violation!

To learn more about these EPA lead paint testing regulations, please call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out ® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We can help you uncover any threats or presence of lead paint on your properties! Get The Lead Out is a member of the National Supplier’s Council, National Apartment Association.

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Lead Paint Poisoning Can Happen with Renovations in Older Apartment Homes

2011-08-11T15:40:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® is always educating homeowners, property owners and residents about the hidden dangers of lead paint poisoning, especially during renovations and remodeling projects.

Lead paint can easily be released into the environment by simple acts of sanding and painting. Beginning April 22, 2010, federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. That is directly from the EPA!

Where is Lead Found Around Apartment Homes?

In general, the older your home or apartment building, the greater possibility that there may be a lead paint issue.

Paint - peeling, chipping or cracked paint chips (also from sanding)
Soil around a home - soil can pick up lead from exterior paint
Household dust - lead paint dust being tracked inside from the immediate outside area
Drinking water - your apartment building could have older plumbing pipes that have lead or lead solder
Old painted toys and furniture
Hobbies that use lead - like pottery, stained glass or refinishing furniture

For apartment building managers and property owners, download this special brochure about the dangers of lead paint poisoning from the EPA.

Lead-based paint is a hazard that can be corrected. Get The Lead Out® works with multi-tenant property owners and apartment communities with on-going lead paint and asbestos testing and abatement programs. For more information about our lead paint testing and asbestos testing programs for multi-tenant properties and apartment communities, please call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

Get The Lead Out® is a member of the National Supplier’s Council of the National Apartment Association.

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Multi-tenant Properties & Apartment Communities Rely on Get The Lead Out® for Lead Paint & Asbestos Testing

2011-08-06T11:40:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® is equipped with both the knowledge and experience to assist you with your environmental issues. Get The Lead Out® has been involved in thousands of lead and asbestos projects in small, residential properties as well as major projects in apartments, shopping centers, and industrial sites across the United States.

Lead-based paint, which contains measurable quantities of lead, has the potential to be a health hazard. Use of the paint in residential buildings was outlawed in the late 1970’s, but many older residences may still contain lead-based paint.

Health Hazards of Lead Paint

The ingestion of lead through lead dust or paint chips poses a significant health hazard; children are more negatively affected than adults because they absorb more lead into their bloodstream. Children can absorb 30 to 75 percent of the lead that reaches their digestive tracts, while adults absorb closer to 11 percent. Lead disrupts brain chemistry, interfering with the function of neurotransmitters. High levels of lead in a child’s bloodstream can lead to brain damage, nervous system problems, learning disabilities, behavioral issues like hyperactivity, stunted growth, hearing issues, and headaches. In adults, lead poisoning can cause reproductive issues (including miscarriage or stillbirth), hypertension, digestive issues, nerve problems, muscle and joint pain, and difficulties remembering information or concentrating. Extremely high levels of lead can cause anemia and affect kidney function, and can so damage the nervous system as to lead to seizures, coma, and death.

Get The Lead Out® is a member of the National Supplier’s Council of the National Apartment Association.

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Charlotte’s Get The Lead Out Joins the Hilton Hotel Chain Disaster Response Program

2011-07-28T14:09:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® was just selected by the Hilton national hotel chain to be involved with their national disaster response program for the eastern seaboard!

Get The Lead Out® is a nationwide lead paint, asbestos, mold and radon gas testing and removal company based here in Charlotte. We have performed thousands of tests and inspections on all types of buildings and houses since we began in 1993.

Hilton selected Get The Lead Out® to participate in the Hilton Disaster Response Program for our depth of services and experience pertaining to detecting and removing potentially hazardous materials that might surface following some type of disaster.

“Buildings that were constructed prior to the mid-1970′s could have used lead-based paint or asbestos in some part of the building process,” said Get The Lead Out® Principal Scientist Pete Hubicki. “If there is damage to parts of a building from a tornado or other natural disaster, or maybe a fire, some of these materials could be released or exposed if they existed.”

Get The Lead Out®’s emergency response duties will include identifying possible material threats, isolating these hazards, and safely removing them.

If your company would like to establish an emergency response action plan or program, please call Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

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Charlotte Asbestos Testing for a Standard Home Begins at $250 plus $15 per Sample!

2011-07-15T08:58:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® has tested thousands of homes, apartment buildings and commercial buildings for Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) since 1993. We are a professional company with experienced, qualified, licensed asbestos inspectors that will uncover any asbestos-containing material on your property! It is estimated that thirty million tons of asbestos building materials were used in the U.S. between 1900 and 1975 with probably eighty to ninety percent of that still in place. This is why it can be found in many commercial and residential buildings built before 1975. Because of its needle-like shape, an asbestos fiber can stick to lung tissue if inhaled and cause an inflammation.

Types of Professional Asbestos Tests

There are two types of professional asbestos tests that Get The Lead Out® inspectors use to identify the presence of asbestos. One is a basic test and the other is a more advanced test. As asbestos fibers cannot be seen without the use of a microscope, these two methods are the recognized tests that the EPA utilizes.

PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) Test
The EPA requires that the asbestos content of suspect materials be determined by analyzing samples with polarized light microscopy (PLM). PLM analysis results give the percent and type of asbestos in the sample. The asbestos content of manufactured items ranges from one percent to 100 percent. Our experienced and licensed asbestos inspectors carefully target and collect enough individual samples to proficiently determine the presence of asbestos. These samples are then shared with our EPA-approved laboratory partners. With this method, a small amount of the sample is crushed and placed on a microscope slide using the appropriate refractive index oil. Polarized light is used to observe the many optical properties of asbestos fibers that allow the microscopist to distinguish it from non-asbestos fibers.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Test
TEM is also used to identify and quantify asbestos in a bulk sample. TEM uses a beam of electrons from a filament in a vacuum. The TEM's electron beam passes through the sample and an image is displaced onto a screen. Using an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and a computer system, information about the fiber's elemental properties can be gathered and graphed in their appropriate ratios. The higher magnification used by the TEM allows for more accurate asbestos concentration estimations in samples that contain very little asbestos (less than 5%). TEM samples are ashed at 480°C for 6-8 hours to eliminate the organic binder and/or tar material, and are then treated with acid for a few minutes to eliminate the carbonate material. This allows hidden asbestos fibers to surface and be easily noticed and identified under the TEM.

Cost of Basic PLM Asbestos Test
A basic PLM Asbestos Test with Get The Lead Out® costs $250 plus $15 per sample. The number of samples collected at your home depends upon the initial survey and findings of our inspector. The variance in cost is tied to the number of samples that are collected for testing.

The cost of a TEM test varies widely and we can give you an estimate for bulk sample collecting under this very advanced asbestos testing method.

Please call Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz to find out more about PLM and TEM asbestos testing for your home. Peace of mind and general safety for your family is the very reason we provide these asbestos tests.

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Charlotte Asbestos Testing & Asbestos Removal Before You Remodel

2011-07-05T14:09:00.001-04:00

Are you thinking about remodeling your home? Was your home built before the 1970’s? There could be a chance that some of the materials used in the construction of your home contain asbestos. Get The Lead Out® can professionally assist you with the identification, assessment, and management of asbestos. Our expertise, training, and up-to-date regulatory knowledge allows us to provide comprehensive and complete asbestos testing and consultation.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber. It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.

What could contain asbestos in your home today?

Most products made today do not contain asbestos. those few products made which still contain asbestos that could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. however, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos.

Common products that might have contained asbestos in the past, and conditions which may release fibers, include:

Resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives used for installing floor tile. sanding tiles can release fibers. so may scraping or sanding the backing of sheet flooring during removal.

Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, textured paints and ceiling texture. sanding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos.

Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.

Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. these materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly.

Cement sheet, millboard, and paper used as insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves. repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibers. so may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation.

Door gaskets in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves. worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use.

Soundproofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings. loose, crumbly, or water-damaged material may release fibers. so will sanding, drilling, or scraping the material.

Get The Lead Out® will make sure make sure that the asbestos inspection will include a complete visual examination and the careful collection and lab analysis of samples. If asbestos is present in your home, our report will provide a written evaluation describing its location and give recommendations for correction or prevention.

For more information about residential asbestos inspections, please call Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We look forward to working with you and keeping your home safe from the dangers of asbestos.

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Charlotte Remodeling Project - Do You Know if Your Home has Lead Paint or Asbestos?

2011-06-23T14:12:00.001-04:00

Are you remodeling a Charlotte home that was built prior to 1978? If you are, do you know the new rules for remodeling a house that may have lead paint or asbestos? Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

Get The Lead Out® is a supporter and proponent of having EPA-certified construction and renovation companies work on your home’s remodeling project if they will disturb lead paint! Under the current EPA rule, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

If you are a homeowner performing renovation, repair, or painting work in your own home, EPA's rule does not cover your project. However, you have the ultimate responsibility for the safety of your family or children in your care!

Get The Lead Out® can help. We have provided professional, reliable expert lead paint testing since 1993. Our basic $350 lead paint test for a typical 2,000 sq.ft. house will uncover any lead paint within your home. You will receive an easy-to-read, comprehensive report of our findings. If we do find traces of lead paint within your house, we will also offer you plans on dealing with it.

It pays for you to know if you have dangerous lead paint in your home before any remodeling or renovation work is performed. Just be safe! Call Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz and we will talk with you about lead paint testing and schedule your home’s test!

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Pregnant Women are Extremely Susceptible to Lead Poisoning!

2011-06-16T10:12:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte has been promoting the dangers of lead paint poisoning to pregnant women and parents with small children since the mid-1990’s. Lead paint poisoning in young children is needless and can be avoided with simple, proper lead paint testing and removal if necessary.

Pregnant women are extremely susceptible to lead poisoning, absorbing 50% of the lead they ingest. Get The Lead Out® supports the wonderful work and efforts of the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning based out of Maryland. Lead paint poisoning affects over 1 million children today.

Lead can enter a pregnant woman's blood stream and pass through the placenta and harm the unborn child. This lead poisoning may result in low birth weight, stillbirth or miscarriage.

Pregnant women and new mothers must be cautious and proactive, taking the necessary measures to ensure that their child is born healthy and lead free. If an older home is being renovated, pregnant women and small children should not be present until all debris has been removed and the home vacuumed using a HEPA vacuum. Nutrition, hand washing and special cleaning practices will help reduce risk.

Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte offers our basic lead paint test starting at $350 for up to a 2,000 sq. ft. house. You can learn more about our $350 basic lead paint test here. Call Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We can help you understand more about the dangers of pregnancy and young children being exposed to lead-based paint!

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What Does an Average Lead Paint Test Cost in Charlotte?

2011-06-10T14:12:00.001-04:00

This is our number one question at Get The Lead Out®. How much does an average lead paint test cost for the average home? Our basic lead paint test for a 2,000 sq.ft. house starts at $350 from Get The Lead Out®. $350 to find out, for sure, if your home has any lead paint inside. $350 for peace of mind. $350 to know that your children and family are safe from lead paint poisoning.

What is included in an average lead paint test in Charlotte? At Get The Lead Out®, we have been professionally testing for residential lead paint since 1993. Our licensed lead paint inspectors are professionally trained and licensed by the State of North Carolina. And we’ve test literally thousands of Charlotte homes for lead paint over the past 18 years! So the first thing you receive with our basic lead paint test is a professional, experienced lead paint inspector from Get The Lead Out®.

You will also receive a comprehensive, easy-to-read lead paint findings report. Our reports will disclose where, if any, lead paint was found in your home. We also document our findings with photographs and readings from our testing instruments.

Plus you will receive our professional opinion concerning treatment and removal of any lead paint found in your home. No need to panic! If there is a need, we can professionally manage the safe removal of lead paint from your home.

$350. $350 for our basic lead paint test for a home under 2,000 sq.ft. It’s good peace of mind from Charlotte’s most-trusted professional lead paint inspection company. For more information, please call Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

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Charlotte Remodeling Project Can Uncover Harmful Lead Paint or Asbestos - A Real Danger to Pregnant Women and Small Children!

2011-06-02T16:31:00.001-04:00

Whoa! Wait a minute! Stop! Charlotte’s Get The Lead Out® says that regardless of what part of the house your Charlotte remodeling project takes place in, there are good work practices that you can use to help minimize or prevent indoor air and other indoor environmental problems like lead paint and asbestos poisoning.

A good thought to adopt prior to beginning any remodeling home is that you should assume that any paint in homes built before 1978 in Charlotte contains lead! Until you find out for sure, treat the paint as containing lead!

Get The Lead Out® suggests at least starting with our basic $350 Lead Paint Test. Our basic $350 Lead Paint Test will uncover any lead paint to be found inside your 2,000 sq.ft. or less home. We do offer tests for homes that are larger than 2,000 sq.ft. Our Lead Paint Test is a professional lead paint testing and inspection process conducted by a licensed, experienced Get The Lead Out® inspector. We also provide you with an easy-to-understand, comprehensive Lead Paint Inspection Report that will outline any areas found to contain lead paint.

OK, now you’re ready to move forward with your remodeling project. Get The Lead Out® is aligned with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and we firmly believe in supporting their good work practices, which include:

Correct the underlying cause of any problem. For example, if you are repairing a damaged paint surface, look to see what might have caused the damage, e.g., moisture from the inside (such as condensation), or from the outside (as with roof leaks), rubbing or impact of painted surfaces, or structural damage.

Do Not Disturb Asbestos. If a project requires disturbing areas that contain asbestos, contact Get The Lead Out® or contact your health department for advice before proceeding. Asbestos is harmful to children and pregnant women!

Avoid Exposure to Mold or Bacteria. Basic Mold Cleanup. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles and carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced! Get The Lead Out® can test and treat your home for harmful molds.

Avoid Creating Dust (and Contain Dust That Can't Be Avoided). Many remodeling activities, from demolition to removing wood casings, have the potential to create dust. Use low-dust work practices (for example, mist surfaces with water before sanding or scraping). Cover the area under work with a durable protective sheeting (e.g., a plastic or poly tarp). Use barriers to keep dust contained to immediate work area.

You can learn more about good work practices during remodeling by visiting this EPA site.

To learn more about how Get The Lead Out® in Charlotte can provide affordable Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing, please call us at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. Get The Lead Out® has conducted thousands of Lead Paint and Asbestos inspections since 1993!

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Charlotte Lead Paint Testing Company Offers $350 Basic Lead Paint Test!

2011-05-27T10:38:00.001-04:00

Charlotte lead-based paint testing company Get The Lead Out® has been offering Charlotte residents, apartment communities, businesses, real estate agents, and government agencies professional lead-paint testing services since 1993.

A basic, professional lead-based paint inspection with Get The Lead Out® starts at $350 for a home under 2,000 total square feet. Our $350 basic lead paint test includes professional testing with one of our licensed, experienced Lead Assessors, along with a comprehensive inspection report that will contain the lead-based paint findings from your home presented in language that you can understand. Our testing protocol will uncover any lead paint found in your house.

Lead-based paint has become one of our country’s most highly-regulated environmental issues. Because of its widespread use, lead-based paint may be found in residential, public, commercial, and industrial structures. Get The Lead Out®, one of the pioneering companies in the field of lead paint testing, is known throughout the country for our expertise.

Around the Greater Charlotte area, we have inspected thousands of homes and buildings for lead paint. Our area has beautiful, historic, older neighborhoods like Myers Park, Fourth Ward, Elizabeth, Dilworth, Southend and Noda, just to name a few. So many of these homes were painted years ago using lead-based paint. We’ve inspected so many of these homes.

To learn more and schedule your $350 basic lead paint test for a home under 2,000 square feet, call Get The Lead Out® at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. If you have a larger home, we can give you a cost estimate for a lead paint test as well. The $350 basic lead-based paint test is an affordable measure to take to give you peace of mind that your home is safe and free of lead paint toxicity and harm. Get The Lead Out® can give you that comfortable peace of mind! We look forward to meeting with and working with you at your home.

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What is in a Charlotte Lead-based Paint Inspection Report?

2011-05-19T10:55:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out™ is the leading Charlotte lead-based paint inspection, testing and abatement company serving residential, commercial and government agency customers. Our biggest questions are, “What is contained inside my lead-based paint inspection report,” and, “How much does a typical lead paint inspection cost?”

Our Get The Lead Out™ basic lead-based paint inspection report is a comprehensive, professional report compiled by our trained, experienced and licensed Lead Assessors and Lead Risk Assessors. A typical basic report contains as much as 40+ pages of information about the testing “shots” and positive results “shots” that were taken in your home or building.

The goal of each lead test and inspection is to determine whether your home or building contains any traces or amounts of dangerous lead paint. Our inspection reports detail our findings, including showing you the locations, supported by actual photos and testing results, where lead was documented in your home or building.

Get The Lead Out™ lead inspectors and assessors use handheld Thermo Scientific* Niton XLp 300 Series analyzers. These sensitive pieces of scientific, electronic tools set the industry standard with unparalleled performance for residential lead paint inspection. Our testing guns average close to $17,000 each and they quickly identify and quantify lead in virtually all sample types: paint, consumer goods, soil, sediment, dust, air, and more. It’s the training, knowledge and experience of our lead assessors that compile, analyze and present the findings in a manner that includes risks and solutions.

A Get The Lead Out™ lead-based paint inspection report contains a detailed description of your property, a reference drawing, untested components of your property, a discussion of results, conclusions, our testing procedure, a description of the testing equipment, an explanation of our sample numbering, and data on our quality control process.

Here is a sample statement from a recent lead-based paint inspection report for a residence:

Get the Lead Out™ determined that there is intact positive (=/ >1.0 mg/cm2) lead-based paint on the property.

A copy of the summary found in Section 3 must be provided to new purchasers and tenants of this property under Federal law (24 CFR part 35 and 40 CFR part 745) before they become obligated under a sales contract or lease. The complete report must also be provided to new purchasers and it must be made available to new tenants.

How much does a basic lead-based paint inspection cost from Get The Lead Out™? A basic, professional lead-based paint inspection starts at $350 for a home under 2,000 total square feet. Our testing protocol will uncover any lead found in your house.

For more information about lead-based paint testing and to schedule your test, please call Get The Lead Out™ at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

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Charlotte Realtor Update - Lead Paint Laws for Home Sellers & Buyers!

2011-05-18T11:22:00.001-04:00

Lead paint in homes and the resulting environmental and personal health hazards have been in the news for home buyers and sellers. In the Charlotte area, we have many homes built PRIOR to 1978. These are the homes that benefit from lead paint inspections before being listed for selling or being purchased by a new homeowner.

Why would a seller have their home inspected for lead paint?

If their home was built prior to 1978, it is recommended that the seller have a professional lead paint inspection. Home buyers will want to know if the house contains lead paint. Pre-1978 homes trend toward larger remodeling and renovation projects when they are sold. These projects can generate lead dust and soil contamination that are dangerous for children and other occupants. Lead paint disclosure is now more important than ever!

The New EPA Renovate, Remodel & Paint (RRP) Rule of 2010

The EPA issued a rule meant to reduce the generation of lead dust and lead soil hazards during home construction projects conducted by contractors. Since April 22, 2010, the EPA has required all contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects in homes built before 1978 to determine if they will be disturbing any lead-based paint. If lead paint is present, the contractor must be certified and follow specific lead safe work practices to prevent lead contamination of the home environment.

Why would a home buyer want to know if a house has lead paint?

Home buyers should ask about the presence of lead paint in any pre-1978 home that they are considering buying. If renovation, remodeling, and painting would disturb lead paint, they would need to hire a contractor trained and certified to follow lead-safe practices. Even if buyers are not planning to do any remodeling, they should still be concerned about the presence of lead paint in their house. Children can ingest lead from paint chips and normal household dust, causing damage to their brains and nervous systems. Knowing where lead paint is located can allow the homeowner to protect their family by stabilizing it.

This update was sent to you to help you understand more about possible lead paint contamination in Charlotte properties that you might either help sell or help somebody buy.

If you would like to learn more about lead paint inspections or the EPA rulings on lead paint in remodeling, please contact Pete Hubicki at Get The Lead Out. We are available to provide “Question & Answer” or educational seminars for small or large groups on the issues of lead paint, lead paint dangers, lead paint in remodeling, and lead paint health concerns for small children.

Contact: Pete Hubicki, Principal Scientist, Get The Lead Out, 704-376-3594 or peteh@gettheheadout.biz. Thank you for helping to educate home buyers and sellers about the safety and dangers of lead paint!

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Charlotte Realtor Update - Lead Paint Laws for Home Sellers & Buyers!

2011-05-11T12:53:00.001-04:00

Why would a seller have their home inspected for lead paint?

The New EPA Renovate, Remodel & Paint (RRP) Rule of 2010

Why would a home buyer want to know if a house has lead paint?

This update was sent to you to help you understand more about possible lead paint contamination in Charlotte properties that you might either help sell or help somebody buy.

Charlotte Realtors and Charlotte Real Estate Agents Want You to Know More About Lead Paint Testing and the Lead Paint Disclosure Laws!

2011-04-27T13:37:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out is the leading lead-based paint testing and removal company in Charlotte. We work closely with individual homeowners, apartment communities, government housing agencies, individual Charlotte realtors and Charlotte real estate agents to help educate homeowners and renters about lead-based paint and lead paint disclosure laws.

Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X, to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil. Section 1018 of this law directed HUD and EPA to require the disclosure of known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before the sale or lease of most housing built before 1978.

Why is this important in Charlotte? Because we have thousands of homes, condos, townhomes and apartment communities that were built before 1978! And Get The Lead Out has performed thousands of lead paint testing and lead removal jobs on older homes around Charlotte. We work with Charlotte realtors and Charlotte real estate agents to help them understand about the laws protecting homeowners and renters about the hidden dangers of lead-based paint and lead paint.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development works hard to help educate the community about lead paint. See their latest brochure on protecting your family from the dangers of lead-based paint.

Also visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development website for more information on the Lead Paint Disclosure Laws and how they exist to protect homeowners and renters.

Get The Lead Out in Charlotte can help Charlotte realtors and Charlotte real estate agents in complying with the Lead Paint Disclosure Laws as well with lead paint testing services should there be a need. Call Get The Lead Out at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz.

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Charlotte Lead Paint Poisoning – How to Protect Your Family from Lead Paint Poisoning

2011-04-20T14:52:00.001-04:00

Because Charlotte and the surrounding area has thousands of homes, apartments and condos that were built before 1978, there could be a much larger risk of exposure to lead-based paint. Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly, especially for younger children.

Get The Lead Out is a professional, Charlotte-based environmental air quality inspecting and testing company that has provided lead-based paint testing since 1993. Get The Lead Out routinely performs lead-paint testing in Charlotte homes, apartments and condos because of the older age of many properties.

Lead From Paint, Dust, and Soil Can Be Dangerous If Not Managed Properly.

FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.

FACT: Even children that seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.

FACT: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips with lead in them.

FACT: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

What can you do to protect your family from lead paint poisoning beyond lead-paint testing from Get The Lead Out? Well, there are several things that you can do around your home should you suspect that your home have high levels of lead.

Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.

Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.

Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods.

Get your home checked for lead hazards.

Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.

Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.

Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.

Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424-LEAD for guidelines).

Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.

Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.

If you would like to learn more about professional lead-based paint testing, call Get The Lead Out at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz. We can provide you an affordable lead paint testing service to help give you peace of mind about possible lead paint exposure to your family!

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Charlotte Asbestos Inspections from Get The Lead Out Can Calm Fears about Cancer from Asbestos

2011-04-12T15:29:00.001-04:00

Charlotte and the surrounding area has a number of neighborhoods and buildings that were built before 1970 and the asbestos regulations that were passed to protect people from exposure to asbestos-containing products. Could your home be at risk? Where is asbestos found? Get The Lead Out can help you find out.

From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know at Get The Lead Out that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of:

lung cancer;
mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity; and
asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.

The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increases with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos. (photo at left is a cancerous lung from asbestos)

Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease. Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard.

Examples of Where Asbestos Hazards May Be Found In The Home

Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.
Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
Attic and wall insulation produced using vermiculite ore, particularly ore that originated from a Libby, Montana mine, may contain asbestos fibers.
Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.
Walls and floors around wood burning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.
Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

Get The Lead Out can provide Charlotte asbestos testing to discover if asbestos is present around your home. Call us at 704-376-3594 or email peteh@gettheleadout.biz to learn more about asbestos and asbestos management. There is no need to panic or live in fear of possible asbestos present in your home. We can help you accurately determine if asbestos is present or not!

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Charlotte Radon Gas Testing for Your Home – How Does Radon Get Inside?

2011-04-06T08:35:00.001-04:00

Get The Lead Out is a Charlotte-based environmental air testing company that takes asbestos, mold, lead, and radon gas threats seriously. Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements.

As a licensed professional company with the NRSB (National Radon Safety Board), Get The Lead Out is trained and licensed to test your home for traces of radon gas.

Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water. In a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon, too. However, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.

RADON GETS IN THROUGH:

Cracks in solid floors
Construction joints
Cracks in walls
Gaps in suspended floors
Gaps around service pipes
Cavities inside walls
The water supply

Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. While radon problems may be more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. The only way to know about your home is to test for radon gas.
To have your home tested for Radon Gas, call the radon gas testing experts at Get The Lead Out at 704-376-3594. We will professionally inspect your home and test for the presence of Radon Gas. If we do find radon gas in your home, we'll educate you on how you can fight back against radon gas entering your home! Get The Lead Out!

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