Lead-Safe Practices

To learn the basics on why lead dust is a problem, everybody needs to read EPA’s brief pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools. The main point is not to breathe or swallow the dust and not to track it home where children under age 6 can breathe or swallow it. Adults can develop permanent flu-like symptoms, including lethargy, from lead dust particles. We all probably got exposed unknowingly in our childhoods to lead (which explains SO MUCH…), but we don’t want to add to it!

The crew that will be working on renovations will be following the safety methods described in Small Entity Guide to Renovate Right – EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program. Renovations affecting less than 6 sq. ft. per room of painted surfaces, or less than 20 sq. ft. of exterior painted surfaces, are exempt from the rules in the pamphlet unless it’s window replacement, which is always covered by the lead-paint rules. Essentially, the crew will use acres of plastic sheeting and tape, wet swiffers, wet wipes, and personal protection from breathing and swallowing lead dust. Here’s that link:

Before renovations begin, we will be requesting the assistance of a lead-paint inspector who has volunteered his services to examine the house with special equipment that detects lead in various surfaces. The inspector will be able to pinpoint the areas, likely windows, that will need special treatment and those areas that are fine.