The Hazards of Lead-based Paint and Its Safe Removal
by Owen Whetzel
Lead poisoning, much of it coming as the result of lead released from old coats of paint, is a major health concern not only for children, but adults, as well. Children can be poisoned and have irreversible brain damage. Pregnant women are at risk, as low levels of lead can have an adverse effect on fetal development. Adult women and men can suffer the consequences of lead poisoning, including damage to the nervous system and increased blood pressure.
It is estimated that two-thirds of the homes built before 1940 and one-half of the homes built from 1940 to 1960 were painted with lead-based paint. But, it was not until 1978 that the government ordered the reduction of lead content in paint to 0.06 percent, a trace amount.
The most common way of ingesting or inhaling lead dust happens, when lead-based paint chalks, chips or peels. Sanding, scraping or heating the paint provides other sources.
To check for lead, test several paint chips from both inside and outside. There are do-it-yourself test kits available; however, the most accurate test results are obtained from professional laboratories, which are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Laboratories -- Analytical." A lab can advise you on the proper way to collect samples for testing.
If you find that you have lead-based paint, there are several treatments:
--- Carefully remove doors and other easily removed items from the home; however, don't begin prying away moldings or other permanently installed fixtures, as their removal can release lead particles into the air. Leave demolition up to a contractor, who has been trained in the removal of lead hazards.
--- A surface coated with lead-based paint can be sprayed with a sealant or covered, such as with drywall. Commonly available paint, however, is not a sealant.
--- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that consumers can safely remove less than one-square foot of lead-based paint themselves, using a liquid paint remover. Check with your city or county regarding safe disposal of the hazardous waste.
Professionals are trained to remove lead using a wet method, which will contain the lead. Also, they will safely dispose of the hazardous waste. State and local health departments should have the names of approved contractors.
Before disturbing old paint have it tested. If lead is present in harmful amounts, make the decision to properly remove it. Don't delay because of cost. Some towns, cities and counties have programs for the removal of lead-based paint for low-income households. Check with a local housing or health department.
Additional reading:
--- "Consumer Product Safety Commission - What You Should Know About Lead Based Paint in Your Home: Safety Alert." (CPSC Document #5054.)
--- "Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Warns About Hazards of 'Do lt Yourself' Removal of Lead Based Paint: Safety Alert." (CPSC Document #5055.)
--- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) "Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Tips."
--- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) "Reference Library - Residential Lead Desktop Reference."
Further contact information:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, D.C. 20207
(800) 638-2772
TTY: (800) 638-8270
E-mail: info@cpsc.gov
Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
451 7th Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20410
(202) 708-1112
TTY: (202) 708-1455
Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov
Owen Whetzel has earned an outstanding reputation as an expert among both professionals and do-it-yourselfers, in his writing and lecturing about building, remodeling, home improvement, woodworking and do-it-yourself projects.
Owen has collaborated on books and magazine articles, was a regular guest on The Discovery Channel's highly successful home repair show, "Fix-It Line," and from 1991- 2000 he hosted "Wednesday How-To Night" on San Jose's PBS-TV affiliate, KTEH. Throughout the year he gives informative and entertaining home repair seminars at various home and garden shows.
For the past 12 years he has written columns on home repair for the San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News. In 1990, he was honored to have contributed to the newspaper winning the Pulitzer Prize (General News Reporting), for its detailed coverage of the October 17, 1989 Bay Area earthquake and its aftermath.