Resources and Services
Consumer Guides
Lead Paint Common Sense
The Hazard
Since 1978, lead-based paint has been banned in the United States, so there is practically no risk in newer homes, except from older painted furniture. Homes built between 1950 and 1978 are likely to have lead-based paint, while ones built before 1950 almost certainly have lead-based paint.
Lead was used in all kinds of paint, so any older, painted surface is suspect. Cracked or peeling paint poses the most obvious threat. There is also risk when an older painted surface is sanded, scraped or sawed as part of a painting, repair or improvement project. In addition, windows can be a problem because friction in the sashes slowly grinds up layers of old paint - some of which may contain lead. The resulting contamination can be easily inhaled or ingested.
Lead tends to build up in the body causing a wide variety of mental and physical health problems. The risk is greatest for children under seven and for pregnant women, but lead is bad for everyone. In fact, more ill effects are being discovered all the time.
Maintenance
One long-term strategy for minimizing the problem is to maintain all painted surfaces so that older paints don’t get a chance to crack and peel.
Containment
Anytime a repair or improvement project involving cutting, sanding or scraping of older painted surfaces is going to take place, try to seal off the area with plastic tarps.
This way the dust cannot travel indiscriminately throughout the house or yard. When the job is finished, the tarps should be carefully folded and discarded. Use a spray bottle of water to wet surfaces in order to minimize airborne dust levels.
Some power tools, such as sanders, can now be purchased with built-in vacuum systems that capture the dust as it is created. To be effective against lead, the vacuum system must be marked as being of the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) type.
Personal Protection
If you are going to spend time in the work zone, you should wear a respirator with a HEPA filter. A regular face mask won’t do much good. Also, if there is a lot of dust or if you’re certain contains lead, consider wearing disposable coveralls. If you don’t wear disposable coveralls, remove an work clothes as you leave the work area and wash them separately from other clothes. Cleaning: Generally, you want to keep dust levels at a minimum. After any kind of work has been done, it becomes critical to clean up thoroughly and immediately. The best strategy is to use a high phosphate detergent like TSP (trisodium-phosphate, availkable at hardware and paint stores) or automatic dishwasher soap and thoroughly wipe all surfaces.
Never use a standard vacuum cleaner, as it just stirs up the dust and redistributes it more widely throughout the house. Only HEPA vacuum cleaners are effective for picking up and trapping lead paint dust.
More Popular Entries
Additions & Remodels
Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling
Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors
Home Inspections
The Final Walk Through
Townhouses
Appliances
Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage
Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers
Conventionally Framed Home Builder
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Workout Room
Carpentry & Cabinets
Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops
Cleaning Services
The Importance of Air Duct and Vent Cleaning
Prevent Wear with Fabric Protection
Ways to Clean Your Carpet
Concrete, Brick & Stone
Installing Concrete
Tip: Repair Concrete Steps
Wunderbar Rebar!
Consumer Guides
Time for a New Roof?
Preparing a House for Sale
Upgrading Your Electrical System
Design Ideas
Drywall Textures and Styles
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Asphalt Shingles: The Wood and Tile Alternative
Electrical, Telephone & Data
Whole House Fans
Tip: Repair Home Entertainment Equipment
Convenient Electrical Fixtures
Expert Advice
Install a Front Door
Insulating a Crawl Space
Air Quality
Flooring
Hardwood Inlay
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay
Steam Cleaning Grout
Handyman Services
Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping
Heating & Cooling
Tip: Types of Geo Thermal Heating Systems
Heat Pumps
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat
Home Construction
Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro
Timber Framed Homes
Understanding Pre-manufactured and Kit Homes
Landscape, Decks & Fences
Landscape Design
Using a Tree Stump Removal Service
Find a Garden Hose
Moving & Storage
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It
Finding a Truck Rental Service
Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Other Services
Tip: Fire Protection or Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Your Children Safe
Wet Basements
Painting & Staining
Tip: Roller Marks - Interior Paint
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting
Plumbing
Safe Drinking Water
The Importance of Clean Water
Find a Water Treatment Service
Quick Tips
Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Repair or Maintain Sprinkler Systems
Checklist: Basic Lawn & Landscape Care
Roofing, Siding & Gutters
Install Roofing Snow Melt Protection
Install or Replace Flat Roofing
Modern Roofing Options
SP Feature Article
The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services
Walls & Ceilings
Techniques for Wall Covering Removal
Create a Turn-of-the-Century Look With Metal Ceilings
Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning
Windows & Doors
Basic Door Lock Information
Installing the Correct Blinds or Shades
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades