Lead Paint- how do you know if you have it?
- I do understand that you can make your own lead cleaner- some concoction from Cascade and water….has anyone used that? Has anyone changed the lead levels in their home from just cleaning?
- I see this question on the message boards a lot- where do you find a lead tester? Here is the scoop……
- If your home was built before 1978, have your home tested for lead. The National Lead Information Center (NLIC)
provide a list of EPA-certified labs near you. You may send the labs
paint chips from cracks for testing. The NLIC can provide a list of
local specialists who can remove or seal the lead. Do-it-yourself
tests, available at hardware stores, can detect high levels of lead,
but may not clue you into low levels or lead paint that is under many
layers of paint.
- If lead is found, but the paint is still intact (not chipping or
peeling), then your family is safe from lead poisoning. However, if the
lead paint is falling apart or was used on door jambs or window frames,
where constant movement and friction cause a dust to escape, you will
need to take action.
- If you plan to paint or renovate areas where there is lead paint,
you must have the lead paint removed by a lead abatement specialist
before starting. If you sand or tear down walls that have lead paint in
them, a fine lead-laden dust will disperse throughout your house!
Everyone who lives in the house will be exposed to significant risk.
- A lead abatement specialist (see below) must clean up all lead paint. Do not attempt this yourself! The U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offices or the American Industrial Hygiene Association can help you locate certified lead removal contractors in your area.
- As a temporary measure, until lead paint is removed, damp mop
frequently to clean up lead-laden dust. Wash children’s toys and
stuffed animals frequently.
- If possible, your family should move out while lead-based paint is being removed by a lead abatement professional.
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Thank you for your resource .. great site!
I have heard a tragic story on TV about a child that ate paint chips with lead in the them and eventually passed. Key is to check for lead when purchasing a home and be prepared to make the proper changes to make it a safe environment.
The downside of living in these old, beautiful brownstones. We found out that our place had lead and had the whole place re-painted and filled any chips- though, as you point out- the friction from doors and windows can be bad too.
I think that things are OK now, but I still do lots of cleaning with wet wipes and use a Miele Hepa vaccuum every day.