What is Lead Paint?
Lead paint is paint that contains lead, a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans. It was commonly used in homes built before 1978. When the paint starts to peel and chip, it can create lead dust and paint chips, which are hazards.
Young children are most at risk from lead poisoning, as their bodies absorb lead more easily. Lead exposure can cause:
- Developmental delays
- Hearing loss
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
Even at low levels, lead exposure is especially harmful to the developing brains and nervous systems of fetuses, infants and young children.
How to Tell if You Have Lead Paint
Here are some signs your home may contain lead paint:
- Your home was built before 1978.
- You see paint that is chipping, flaking, or peeling.
- You notice a dusty film on windowsills.
- You see chew marks from children on windowsills, doors, or other surfaces.
The only way to confirm lead paint is to have a lead inspection or risk assessment done. A certified lead inspector will test paint with an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer or take paint chip samples to send to a lab for analysis.
Health Risks from Lead Paint
Lead paint becomes a hazard when it deteriorates into chips or dust that children can ingest. The most common sources of exposure are:
- Chipping or peeling paint on walls, windows, doors, stairs, railings, porches, and trim.
- Lead dust that forms when lead paint deteriorates. Dust gathers on surfaces like floors, window sills, and floors.
- Soil contamination from exterior paint that has chipped off over time. Lead in soil can be tracked indoors.
Young children are especially vulnerable because they often put their hands or toys in their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces. Their growing bodies also absorb lead more readily.
Even low levels of lead in children’s blood can irreversibly damage brain development, including lowering IQ. Lead also harms kids’ ability to pay attention and academic achievement.
Lead exposure poses risks for pregnant women as well. Lead crosses the placenta and affects the developing fetus. Lead exposure during pregnancy increased the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.
When to Call a Lead Abatement Contractor
If your home tests positive for lead paint, consider hiring certified lead abatement professionals. They have special training and equipment to minimize the hazards.
Here are some situations when you’ll need professional help:
- Your home needs major renovations like window replacement, which will heavily disturb lead paint.
- Lead paint is deteriorating, chipping, or creating dust hazards.
- A child’s blood test shows elevated lead levels.
- A pregnant woman lives in the home.
- You want lead paint or contamination completely removed (abated).
Professionals have special equipment like HEPA vacuums, protective suits, and scrappers. They use techniques to minimize and contain dust and chips.
Lead Abatement Process
Here is a general overview of the lead abatement process:
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An inspection will determine areas and components with lead paint.
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A risk assessor will recommend which hazards need to be addressed.
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Residents may need to vacate the home during work. Belongings will need protection or cleaning afterward.
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Workers will seal off rooms and use dust containment methods.
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Lead paint will be either permanently encapsulated under new coatings or layers, or fully removed.
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Friction points like windows and doors will be remediated.
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Special cleaning techniques will remove lead dust.
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Clearance testing afterward confirms lead levels are safe.
Cost of Lead Paint Abatement
The cost for professional lead abatement ranges widely based on factors like:
- Amount of lead paint and square footage needing remediation
- Extent of containment needed
- Whether replacement of components is required
- Local contractor rates
According to the EPA, the average cost for lead abatement ranges from $8 to $15 per sq ft, though it can be more or less. That means a typical project can cost $8,000 to $30,000. Those with very high lead levels may pay over $50,000.
Many contractors offer financing options to offset the investment. Grants or tax credits may also be available in your area to help with costs.
Protect Your Family from Lead Hazards
If you suspect lead paint, take steps to protect your family:
- Keep painted surfaces clean and free of chips/deterioration.
- Clean frequently to control dust and safely damp mop.
- Cover bare soil in play areas.
- Wash children’s hands and toys often.
- Feed children healthy foods with calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
- Have children tested for lead by a pediatrician.
Addressing lead paint now can help ensure your family’s health and safety. Don’t wait until hazards worsen. Be proactive in finding and fixing lead risks.
