How To Get Rid Of Lead Paint

How To Save Money When Removing Lead Paint

As I mentioned above, it’s important not to cut corners on lead paint removal.

We’re all about DIY here at ProPaintCorner, but this is not one of the times to try things yourself.

That said, the best way to save money when using a professional lead paint remover is simply to shop around!

Get several quotes from all the contractors you can find nearby.

Then compare them to one another, negotiate, and see if any of them will price match.

Most professional contractors want to keep their pricing competitive, so make sure you’re gathering all the data available by talking to everyone you can find.

However, just make sure that whoever you hire is a certified professional who has done professional lead paint removal before.

This is not one of those times to hire your sister’s cousin’s brother who removed lead paint one time.

Make sure you get stellar references for whichever contractor you decide to hire to make sure you’re getting the best work done possible.

Real abatement contractors will know what they’re doing and be able to answer all of your questions thoroughly and thoughtfully, and if you ask me, they’re worth paying good money for to ensure your health and safety!

How To Know If You Are Stripping Lead Paint

It is important to know if you are working with lead paints. A lot of the times it is very obvious they were commonly used on Doors and Skirting Boards, painted up until the 1960s. If you are in a historic building this is a high chance that you will be stripping lead paints, even if it was painted in the early 1990s.

When stripping paint you will find that the top layers of modern lead-free paint are removed fairly easily, but there is a layer of more stubborn paint that is a different texture underneath. If this is the case you should proceed with care, as this is likely to be lead based paint.

Lead Paint on a Door Being Stripped

If you are in any doubt you should use a lead testing kit to confirm the presence of lead.

A home that was built in the 1960s or more recently should be lead free, however if you are working in a home older than this it is highly likely that there will be lead paint.

If You Live In An Older Home Its Important To Test For And Safely Remove Any Lead Paint Before Starting A Renovation Project

If youre thinking about renovating your home, its important to test for and safely remove any lead paint before starting the project. Lead paint can be dangerous if not removed properly, so its best to hire a professional if youre not sure how to do it yourself. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of lead paint:

Use a certified contractor who has experience dealing with lead-based paints.

Be sure to follow all safety precautions when removing lead paint, including wearing protective clothing and using proper ventilation.

Still, have questions? Reach out to Richmond Painting today! Were always here to help.

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Follow Guidelines For How To Get Rid Of Lead Paint

For paint that isnt in good shape, youll need to remove it to stay safe. The EPA wants to make sure that lead doesnt get into soil or water tables, so they have strict rules about removing lead paint. In fact, whoever does the work has to have an EPA certification before they can legally do the work.

Rather than DIYing the job yourself, which would involve getting your own certification, hire the work out to a certified contractor. Theyll know how to close off the area to prevent any dust or debris from getting into the rest of the house, as well as dispose of the lead-based materials before they contaminate anything.

When Not To Encapsulate

If the lead paint you want to encapsulate is peeling, or flaking off, encapsulation is not a good remediation technique because the encapsulation paint will flake and peel off the wall along with the lead paint. Consult with a professional if youre ever uncertain.

Lead paint encapsulation does not work for surfaces that are:

• Rubbed together
• Badly deteriorated

If this is the case, its important to hire an EPA Certified Renovator. Some Five Star Painting franchisees are properly trained in safe RRP rules for renovation, repair and painting.

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Is Lead Paint Dangerous

Lead paint can be dangerous when it begins to deteriorate, crack, or peel or when it is sanded or demolished. Lead is a toxic metal that can lead to a variety of health problems in humans, especially young children and other at-risk groups. When lead or lead dust is ingested, inhaled, or otherwise absorbed into the body, it can damage the brain, kidneys, nerves, and blood. In extreme cases, it can also cause learning disabilities, seizures, and even death.

The first symptoms of lead poisoning can include:

• Loss of appetite

If you or a loved one experiences any symptoms of lead poisoning, consult a medical professional for confirmation, then remove yourself from the home and determine the next steps, which may include hiring a certified lead paint abatement contractor to perform the remediation.

What Are The Symptoms Of Lead Poisoning

Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in adults include high blood pressure, abdominal pain, joint and muscle pain, memory and concentration issues, reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm, miscarriage, and fetal developmental disorders.

And in children: developmental delay, irritability, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, seizures, hearing loss, and pica, which is eating things that arent food, like paint chips.

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What To Know About Lead Paint Removal

Lead-based paint is toxic and a common hidden safety hazard in older homes. Removing lead paint requires extreme care and caution to prevent lead dust and flakes from contaminating your home and making people sick. Lead had been used in paint for hundreds of years until researchers identified health hazards linked to lead exposure in the mid-20th century. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , these hazards include anemia, kidney and brain damage, and death. Lead also crosses the placental barrier, meaning that if pregnant women are exposed to lead, it can impair the babys nervous system development. Its also hazardous to children under the age of six.

Depending on state and municipality laws, homeowners can potentially tackle lead-based paint removal as part of a DIY home renovation. But its a good idea to work with professionals trained to remove lead paint safely.

The Environmental Protection Agency strongly recommends that homeowners hire a certified inspector and contractor to handle lead paint testing and abatement. Removing lead paint safely depends on controlling the work area to contain, minimize, and clean all lead dust, debris, and residue and dispose of them safely.

Getting A Certified Lead

Those who do not have many options for removing lead plumbing on their property may consider buying filters that are proven to remove lead from drinking water. They should be careful to use filters that have been verified by an organization such as the National Sanitation Foundation . These products have been tested using water containing lead up to 150 parts per billion, ten times the amount allowed by the EPA.

People have a variety of options in these kinds of filters, depending on their needs. The most basic system features a carafe into which residents can pour water for filtration as they need it. Homeowners can also install filters that:

• attach to a kitchen faucet and divert water before it runs out the spout
• pull out lead from a cold water line connected to a refrigerator
• connect to the kitchen plumbing through the countertop
• reduce lead levels as part of a reverse osmosis system

People may want to research multiple approaches for convenience, and make sure they know how to use them correctly. Filters should be changed on a regular basis, based on manufacturer recommendations. Testing usually confirms that the filter will continue to work past its listed lifespan, but homeowners should not count on them to last indefinitely. Keeping a backup supply of filters on hand can make it easier for people to swap out the cartridges when necessary.

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So What To Do If You Have Lead Paint

If youve done a test and you do have lead paint theres still no reason to panic.

Theres only a risk to your health if the paint is unsound. If its in a good condition with no flaking, removing is actually a greater risk as it could lead to the exposure of lead dust.

Old lead paint surfaces should only be treated or removed if the paint is flaking or peeling, or if dust particles are present.

If your paint is in a good condition, its best to paint over the lead paint and therefore cover and seal it with the new paint. If the paint isnt in a good condition and is chipped, flaking or has lost its adhesion, youll have to remove it before repainting.

Exterior Lead Paint Removal Cost

Stripping paint from siding and trim can cost approximately $8 to $17 per square foot. Labor, waste removal, and the cost of repainting the home exterior can run the project over$20,000. You may mitigate the problem at a lower price through enclosure or encapsulation, but this won’t permanently remove the risk.

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Dont Chip Scrape Or Sand Lead Paint

When preparing the lead paint surface to be painted over, its extremely important that you dont disturb the existing paint. Any sanding, scraping, chipping, or other forms of friction against a lead paint surface can release particles of lead dust into the air. Instead, simply wipe down the existing surface with a warm, wet towel to prepare it to be painted over.

If the paint is already significantly chipped or deteriorated, youre probably better off hiring professionals for lead paint removal.

Figure A: Create A Sealed Exit

For passage through a door, tape the entire perimeter of one piece of poly to the door frame and floor. Cut a slit in it, starting about 6 in. from the top and stopping about 6 in. from the floor. Then drape the second piece of poly over the first. These are the key materials and tools you’ll need for this project:

• 6 mil plastic: . One hundred feet is a lot of poly, but youll be surprised by how much you use.
• Duct tape: . Buy the cloth-backed rather than the all-plastic type because you can tear pieces off the roll more easily. Buy an extra roll so you wont run out.
• Medium and coarse sanding sponges.
• 2-in. carbide scraper

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Protecting Yourself While Removing Lead

• Before eating food or smoking, carefully wash and dry your face and hands.
• When not actually working, change out of contaminated overalls . Wash contaminated clothes separately.
• Before handling children, carefully wash and dry your face and hands and change out of contaminated clothing.
• To prevent dust accumulating in your hair, wear a hat or cover your hair .
• When sanding, making dust, or burning off lead-based paint, wear a good quality, properly-fitted, toxic dust respirator. If using a disposable type, only those with double headstraps are suitable. Respirators should meet the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 1716:2012 and AS/NZS 1715:2009 . Further advice on respiratory protective equipment is available on WorkSafe New Zealands website.
• Do not smoke while removing paint as the hand-to-mouth contact may increase the risk of eating or inhaling lead paint dust.

Is Living In A House/apartment With Lead Paint Dangerous

Lead paint is only dangerous if its not in a good enough condition. Paint thats intact with no chipping, flaking, peeling, etc., isnt much of a problem as long as you check on its condition regularly.

Areas most likely to break down are high friction areas like window sills and door hinges. If you notice any deterioration in the lead paint around your home, contact a professional and discuss the options mentioned above.

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Wet Down A Paper Towel

The washing and wiping process isnt as much extra hassle as you might think, because youd have to clean dust off the woodwork and walls before painting anyway. But for lead paint, the technique is more rigorous. Mix an all-purpose cleaner and water in a spray bottle and soak a folded, heavyweight paper towel.

How To Fix Lead

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The Lead Hazard Control Program launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1993 reduced childhood lead poisoning by more than 70 percent, but that does not mean that the problem has been completely eradicated. Older homes still contain lead paint, some of it covered over by wallpaper, paneling or newer paint. If your home was built or remodeled before 1978, you need to check for lead paint before stripping or sanding any of the old paint. If you do find lead paint, dont panic. It is not difficult to make lead-painted walls safe for your family.

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What To Do When You Get The Results

If tests confirm the presence of lead paint, you will need to take immediate measures to manage and reduce your familys risk of exposure:

• Clean up chips immediately, especially in areas where your children play.
• Be vigilant about hand washing, especially before eating and sleeping.
• Clean window sills regularly to remove dust. Use warm water and a mop, sponge, or paper towel, and clean thoroughly or dispose of cleaning tools after each use.
• Remove your shoes before entering the home to prevent tracking the substance in from soil contaminated by exterior paint.
• Repaint damaged surfaces.
• Clean air ducts regularly

None of these steps will provide a permanent solution. Once you have completed these temporary measures, you must determine what, if any, long-term solution you will pursue to mitigate the hazard. If the paint in your home shows no damage, and no children live there or visit regularly, you may choose to leave it untouched and keep an eye out for damage in the future.

How To Remove Lead From The Body

Although lead poisoning instances have decreased since lead was eliminated from gasoline and paint in 1978, lead poisoning is still a major public health problem in the United States, in particular in older homes and in cities on the East Coast, according to the NIH 12.A two-pronged approach is recommended to eliminate lead from the body, which involves eliminating the exposure while simultaneously taking medical action to remove the lead that has been accumulated.

Cease your exposure to lead in your environment, if possible. Actions that can be taken include cleaning up paint chips and any peeling lead-based paint, as well as weekly cleaning with an all-purpose detergent to eliminate lead-contaminated dust that builds up on floors, countertops and window sills. If your plumbing contains lead pipes as is the case in many older homes, let the cold water run for several minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.

Begin a prescription course of polythylene glycol if an abdominal x-ray shows evidence of lead. This medication is usually administered using a process known as “whole-bowel irrigation,” where a stomach tube is inserted by mouth to wash the contents of the stomach and intestine.

Follow doctor’s directions with regards to taking succimer tablets by mouth if tests indicate mild lead poisoning 1.

Tips

Warnings

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How To Test For Lead Paint

The EPA recommends a professional lead inspection and a lead risk assessment as useful first steps in determining if you have lead paint. For a cheaper, DIY approach, you can also use an EPA-approved lead paint testing kit, available either online or at your local hardware store. The most popular of these is the 3M LeadCheck Swabs.

How To Remove Lead Paint Options & Costs

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2022

If you live in a home built before the 1960s, chances are youre familiar with lead as a paint additive. Before it was proven poisonous and banned from use in consumer goods in 1978, manufacturers added it to increase paint durability.

When lead paint begins to peel off, it produces chips and dust that can cause lead poisoning when ingested. This condition is detrimental to health and wellbeing, especially in children under six, who suffer developmental problems.

You can remove old lead paint using one of four methods: removal , encapsulation, enclosure, or replacement of the painted surface altogether. Each one has its pros and cons regarding cost, accessibility, and efficiency in dealing with the problem.

Testing your home for lead paint and removing it if found is a worthwhile cause since it protects you and your family while also increasing the value of your property.

Contents

Lets go over each one of them in detail with estimated costs.

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Creating A Safe Environment For Removal