Dealing with lead paint in your home can be scary. Lead is a dangerous neurotoxin, especially for children. But with the help of qualified lead paint removal professionals, you can protect your family’s health. Here is everything you need to know about hiring lead paint removal experts.
Why Hire Professionals?
Attempting to remove lead paint on your own is not recommended. Lead paint removal is complex and requires special equipment and strict safety protocols. Without proper training and protection, you risk lead poisoning and contaminating your entire home.
Certified lead paint removal professionals have the necessary expertise, equipment, and processes to remove lead safely. This includes:
-
Proper protective gear like respirators, full body suits, and foot coverings to prevent exposure.
-
Containment systems like plastic sheeting to seal off work areas and prevent contamination.
-
Specialized tools like chemical gels and vacuum-shrouded sanders to minimize dust and residue.
-
Thorough cleanup and disposal methods to eliminate lead dust and debris.
By hiring certified pros, you can ensure lead is removed safely and your family’s health is protected. Attempting lead paint removal without proper precautions puts your entire household in jeopardy.
Finding a Qualified Professional
Don’t trust just any contractor for lead paint abatement. Make sure to hire certified lead paint removal experts. Here are tips for finding qualified professionals:
-
Search the EPA website for certified abatement firms in your state. The EPA regulates lead paint removal.
-
Verify necessary state and local licenses. Additional certifications may be required depending on your location.
-
Ask for proof of EPA certification. Reputable firms will readily provide certification credentials.
-
Check ratings and reviews. Look for companies with a proven track record of safe lead removal.
-
Ask about safety protocols. A qualified abatement firm will have stringent procedures to protect you.
-
Request references from past clients to evaluate work quality.
A truly certified lead removal company will have all necessary credentials and be ready to show them. Doing your due diligence ensures you hire legitimate professionals.
The Lead Paint Removal Process
Once you hire certified lead paint removal experts, you can expect the following process:
Inspection
- A lead inspection using XRF scanners or dust wipes identifies all lead sources.
Containment
- The workspace is sealed off with plastic sheeting and taped down. Critical areas like vents are also covered.
Protection
- You and your family will be relocated during the abatement work for safety.
Removal
- Workers wear protective suits, respirators, foot covers, and gloves to carefully remove paint.
- Specialized tools and chemical gels minimize dust production.
- Waste is double bagged and sealed for safe disposal.
Cleaning
- The area is meticulously cleaned using HEPA vacuums and wet wiping.
- Final clearance testing confirms lead dust levels are within EPA limits.
Experienced abatement professionals will follow safety protocols meticulously throughout the process. Your health is their top priority.
Costs of Professional Lead Paint Removal
Hiring certified lead paint removal experts does come with higher costs than DIY work. On average, you can expect to pay $8 to $20 per sq. ft for lead paint abatement. Factors like your home’s size, location, and the amount of lead present impact final costs.
Abatement costs may seem high, but are worthwhile to protect your household. Lead exposure risks developmental damage to children and serious health issues. Professional removal prevents these dangers.
Some options to defray costs include:
-
Checking for federal, state, or local lead abatement grants you may qualify for
-
Getting multiple estimates to find the best rate from certified firms
-
Asking your landlord about abatement assistance if you rent (lead paint risks legally require landlord action)
While expensive, professional help virtually eliminates the far greater risks lead paint poses your family. When weighing expenses, your health is priceless.
Ensuring Lead Paint is Gone for Good
Once the lead abatement work is complete, take these steps to ensure all lead paint is fully removed from your home:
-
Get documentation from the abatement firm that lead levels are at or below EPA limits after cleanup.
-
Conduct independent testing to double check for any overlooked lead dust or paint.
-
Install new vinyl or other lead-free flooring over old floors to seal in any remaining traces of lead.
-
Maintain good cleaning practices using wet mopping, vacuuming, and dusting to keep lead exposure risks low.
-
Have children’s lead blood levels tested by your pediatrician to monitor for exposure.
With certified professional help and continued vigilance, you can feel confident the lead danger is gone for good. Your family’s health is worth doing it right.
Conclusion
When dealing with hazardous lead paint, leaving the removal to qualified abatement professionals is crucial. Attempting dangerous lead paint stripping without proper training puts your whole household in jeopardy. While professional abatement services do cost more, the health of your family is priceless. By hiring certified lead paint removal experts, you can ensure this neurotoxic threat is safely eliminated from your home for good. Don’t take risks with lead – call in the pros.
