Tell Me About Lead-Based PaintMirowski Inspections - EPA Protect your Family From Lead Based Paint - Springfield MO Home Inspectors

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