Tell Me About Lead-Based Paint
Effective April 22, 2010, any renovation of homes built before 1978 with children under 6, day care centers, and learning facilities with children under 6 must be done by "Certified LBP Contractors" and they must follow a set of published procedures. This is for any work exceeding 6 Sq. Ft of demolition on more than 20 Sq. Ft of painting per room.
Part of the procedures is for the "Certified LBP Contractors" included LBP dust sampling. The contractor can do his/her own sampling at the beginning or as part of the clearance testing. You can get more information in EPA pamphlet Renovate Right, www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf.
US Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control publishes “Lead Paint Safety-A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance, and Renovation Work” a step by step guide to help understand the basics of Lead Paint. Currently, Mirowski Inspection does not test for lead paint so please remember these principles:
1. ASSUME: Paint in Homes Built Before 1978 Contains Lead
- Exposing Anyone to Dust, Especially Children is Bad
2. CHECK: Federal, State, and Local Regulations
- OSHA has rules for worker safety
- EPA and your local community have rules for waste disposal
3. AVOID: Creating Dust or Spreading Dust
- Use low dust work practices (for example, mist surfaces with water before sanding or scraping)
- Cover area under work with durable protective sheeting (plastic or poly)
- Keep dust contained in immediate work area
4. PROTECT: Occupants. Particularly Children. Keep them away from work area
- Cleanup work site before they return
Workers
- Wear proper respiratory protection for lead dust
- Keep clean
- Don’t take dust home
5. CLEAN UP: After All Work
- Cleanup is particularly important if painted surfaces were broken or wall cavities were opened
- Take dust wipe samples to make sure that it is safe for children to return
6. MAINTAIN: A Dry Building
- Moisture problems can cause paint failure, building deterioration, and encourage pests
All Painted Surfaces
- Well-maintained paint generally does not pose a health risk
Clean and Cleanable Surfaces
- Keep floors and painted surfaces smooth
- Damp mop them often
- Clean rugs and carpet well