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Photograph by Paul Myers
Homes built after 1978 should not contain lead-based paint. That was the year its use was banned for residences.
Reduce lead hazards when remodeling
Although of mold in homes has garnered a great deal of interest recently, lead paint is another hazard to check for when buying, remodeling or renting a home or apartment that was built before 1978. Understanding the risks and knowing what steps to take to correct the problem may prevent lead poisoning, especially in children.
Since disclosure requirements have been in effect since 1996, most local Realtors haven't experienced any recent issues with lead paint. But in homes built before 1960, there could be an issue if a homeowner is considering extensive remodeling. Homes built after 1978 should not contain lead-based paint since it was banned for use in residences beginning in that year.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), most homes built before 1978 have some lead paint, and homes built before 1960 have the greatest concentration of lead paint.
Lead-based paint might be found on any painted surface but is most often found on windows, trim, doors, railings, columns, porches and outside walls. In addition, lead-based paint might be found underneath several layers of paint due to repainting that has taken place over the years.
While lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard, lead in paint chips, contaminated dust and even bare soil can be serious. Check for peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking lead-based paint. These are hazards that need immediate attention. Painting or remodeling can release toxic lead dust into the air when sanding or scraping painted surfaces that contain lead. Often these lead particles are too small to detect. Dust that settles can re-enter the air when vacuuming or sweeping.
Since young children and babies more often come into contact with surfaces that could have lead dust on them by putting objects in their mouths, they are more likely to be at risk for lead poisoning. If a lead hazard is detected or suspected, it is important to have the situation evaluated by a professional.
When selecting a lead evaluation service, HUD recommends consumers consider the age of the home, the presence of children, the current condition of the home's paint, plans for renovating or remodeling, personal concerns about lead poisoning and available funds. A certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor can help decide which kind of lead evaluation service is best. Information for state-certified lead professionals is available online at www.leadlisting.org or by calling 1.888.LEADLIST. Many home inspectors are certified as lead inspectors or risk assessors and can examine a home for lead hazards as well. Be sure to ask if this is the case when requesting a home inspection.
The HUD website, at www.hud.gov, says that if lead is not detected early, children may acquire high levels of lead in their bodies and encounter serous complications, from behavior and learning problems, to damage to the brain and nervous system. Adults can encounter problems such as high blood pressure, digestive problems and nerve disorders.
There are certain steps to take to make sure a home is safe and is kept safe. One simple task is to check often for peeling paint and to look for water damage that could cause paint to peel. Fixing problems promptly and in a safe manner is important in dealing with the lead hazard process. Keeping floors and other areas clean by washing with soap and water and rinsing with fresh water helps with lead dust.
Working safely with lead paint is essential when repairing, repainting or renovating a house. Before sanding or scraping, it is important to wet down the paint to control dust. Use heavy tools to cordon off the work area and cover floors, doors, windows and vents with tarps or heavy plastic. Cover or remove all furniture in the room. Wearing an inexpensive disposable coverall, available at most paint stores, is an easy way to protect clothes. Also a hat, goggles or face shield and gloves will help keep lead dust away from skin. When leaving the work area, make sure to remove shoes and contaminated items to avoid tracking lead dust into other parts of the home. Dispose of all trash and other potential contaminants in a plastic bag.
Using the proper tools will help cut down on dust or paint chips. It's not a good idea to use a belt-sander, propane torch, dry scraper or dry sandpaper on a painted surface that may contain lead. A power sander or grinder with a hood to trap dust and a HEPA vacuum attachment is a better approach. It's also not advisable to use paint strippers that contain methylene chloride. An informative pamphlet called "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home" is available from the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics at www.epa.gov/lead.
To be on the safe side or if lead has been detected, call in a contractor who has the proper training to handle the job. When hiring a contractor, ask for references and experience in working with homes built before 1978. Ask the contractor to test for lead dust at the end of the job.
If renting a home, report any peeling paint or water damage to the landlord. It is the landlord's responsibility to keep paint in good shape. Make sure workers fix paint and clean up properly before they leave.
Before starting that remodeling project, take the time to become informed about the possibility of lead hazards in the home, especially if the home was built prior to 1978. There are many options for reducing lead hazards and reducing the risk of lead poisoning. Check out www.epa.gov and www.hud.gov for detailed information on the subject.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
