LEAD Paint Removal

Lead poisoning has been shown to cause developmental problems and brain damage in children exposed to even minor levels of lead. Lead was added to paint until the late 1970’s in increase durability as well as to speed up drying time.

Exposure occurs most commonly when lead-based paint is improperly removed by sanding and dry scraping, in addition to open-flame burning. High concentrations of airborne lead can be found in homes as a result of contaminated soil being tracked inside.

Lead can enter the body by breathing in lead dust, putting your hands or other objects in your mouth that are covered in lead dust or by eating paint chips or soil that contains lead.

If your home is constructed before 1978 and you are renovating, repairing or painting you may want to have the paint check for its lead content.

Effective 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.