SUMMARY of what to do about Lead Paint
David A. Nelson,Chevron,(510)242-5241
SUMMARY of what to do with Lead Paint on House Exterior
Here is the summary of the responses I received on my query.
My applologies to those who couldn't read the query because
of the missing linefeeds.
>We have discovered that some of the exterior of our house
>was painted with lead paint. I am looking for some advise
>on what to do about it. Could people please respond by email
>to this post and then I will post a summary.
> We have been talking to contractors about the various options
> for lead removal and they seem basically to be uninformed
>on the subject. I am frightened that they are going to charge
>massive amounts of money but not really do anything that
>protects my family or themselves.
>Some specific questions:
>1. At what lead level (in the paint) do you need to be concerned ?
More important than the level is the condition of the paint
and the location. Is the paint stable or flaking off? Is it in
a child's bedroom or storage closet?
Lead paint chips (even small numbers) eaten by children
are very bad for them. Lead paint dust is very bad.
>2. Is this a risk to the householder or the painting contractor?
The biggest risk of lead paint is that a child will eat the paint
flakes (or chew on something that has a lead-based paint on it).
The biggest risk to a painting contractor would be if they were
`burning' the paint off which might produce.
Depends what you're doing with it. Tvapors containing lead.
Other risks include soil contamination with lead.
Mostly the contractor.
>3. Are there any laws on how to handle leaded paint?
Some states have them. Mass. does; Minn. doesn't.
No federal laws tomy knowledge.
In Mass., lead paint chips are classified low-level hazardous waste.
>4. Do I incur any liability to the painting contractor for employee
>medical problems caused by the lead.
Not if the contractor is properly insured.
>5. Does anybody have specific experiences with this.
>6. Recommendations.
Generally, if the paint is in good shape (not flaking off), I'd leave it
alone. If you want to repaint, cover it with a good (nonlead) paint.
The problems with lead paint, like asbestos, can sometimes be greatly
aggrevated by trying to remove them. If the material is stable, let it
be. If it isn't, then you need professional help.
Your biggest problem is that every state has different rules, or no
rules at all. There is little or no useful guidance available when
there are no state rules, since any advice could eventually be in
violation of a new regulation. Federal (EPA) laws are fairly
broad-brushed, and mostly useless when measuring risks in a home
environment.
A summary of what I found out (talking with a local industrial
hygenist and our pediatrician):
The feds are on a campaign to stomp out lead paint.
An industrial hygenist (a certificated title, not a state-issued
title) can appraise your problem for about $300-500. A big analytical
chem lab can recommend one, or may have one on staff.
Access to lead is the single biggest issue. If the paint is peeling
onto the ground, your ground will be contaminated in the top half inch
or so. If the paint is in good condition, reside the house to cover
it or find some epoxy-based paint to encapsulate it. Fresh top soil,
impenetrable bushes, or ground removal may be appropriate. Interior
carpets can accumulate lead dust from outside dirts. Kids are
substantially more sensitive to lead, but contractors should use face
masks rated for very fine particulates and such.
If you have leaded paint outside, you probably have it inside as well.
Risk assessment varies here as well.
No one will help you make the fundamental decisions as to risk and
cost of risk abatement, unless you live in Massachusetts which takes a
zero-tolerance view of lead paint. Since you work at a fairly
safety-conscious site (says someone who shaved his beard for a co-op
job there), talk to your safety and occupational medicine types for
referrals and lab recommendations.