Take home messages:

  • In homes built before 1978, lead may be a problem. If paint is not peeling or chipping then paint over it to contain the lead.
  • If the paint is flaking or chipping, then test for the presence on lead in the paint. Be sure to test in multiple areas and the different layers of paint.
  • If lead is present, children and pregnant women should NOT be in the home during renovation!
  • Work in one room at a time and seal off ducts.
  • Remove ALL furniture from the room.
  • Wear disposable coveralls for clothes, shoes, and hair, wear gloves and goggles and a HEPA respirator. Simple paper dust masks will NOT protect you!
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the room.
  • Remove coveralls, rinse off, and wear clean clothes home.
  • Remove paint with wire brush or wet scraping with paint removers.
  • If sanding is done it must be wet sanding or use a sander with an attached HEPA filter. DO NOT dry sand!
  • DO NOT sand blast or power wash! Heat stripping is NOT recommended. If heat stripping is done it must be at low temperatures (below 1100 oF) and with a NIOSH approved respirator.
  • Clean-up daily using wet mopping and preferably the 3-bucket method (described in a section above).
  • Replace old carpets and rugs, vacuum only with a HEPA filter vacuum,
  • Contact your local hazardous waste disposal site to properly dispose of waste. Do NOT burn the waste, it will release lead into the air and contaminate the place.