Lead
Management
Lead-based paint can be managed safely. Lead dust is microscopic and can't be swept or vacuumed. However, disturbing lead paint doesn't have to create a hazard if these steps are followed:
- Wet painted surfaces, then hand sand or scrape.
- Use chemical strippers (not methylene chloride because it's toxic).
- Do not dry scrape, dry sand, torch, power sand, sand blast, or use a
heat
gun over 700° F. - Rent a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum designed to pick up lead dust.
- Keep children and pregnant women out of the work area.
- Work room by room and remove all furniture.
- Cover and seal remaining fixtures with 6 millimeter plastic.
- Cover carpet with 6 millimeter plastic.
- Turn off HVAC systems and seal off vents with plastic.
- Seal off work area with plastic: windows, doors, archways.
- Do Not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.
- Remove shoes and work clothes at the work area exit.
- Shower immediately and wash clothes separately.
Work-site cleanup and testing should be performed as follows:
- Wait at least 1 hour following work completion.
- Mist plastic sheeting and roll up or fold inward.
- Use a HEPA vacuum, if available, on all horizontal surfaces.
- Alternatively, clean all surfaces using water with all purpose cleaner,
disposable cloths, and clean rinse water. - Clean walls using the alternative method.
- Dispose of plastic, cloths and other refuse in doubled garbage bags
to be
deposited in a solid waste landfill.
NEVER BURN LEADED DEBRIS!!
Sampling and testing is recommended. A certified risk assessor may take floor, window sill, window well, and other samples using a laboratory test kit. The technician may also use and X-Ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF) to test painted surfaces on site without disturbing the paint. XRF results can be suspect depending on base material, curved surface, etc. A certified laboratory will test the samples and generate results.
Compare lab results to regulatory guidelines. The Kentucky Department of Health observes the following maximum safe lead levels for surface and material samples:
- Floor - 40 ug/ft2 (Micrograms/ft2)
- Window sill - 250 ug/ft2
- Window well - 400 ug/ft2
- Soil (play area and drip line) - 400 ppm
- Soil (other yard) - 1200 ppm
- Drinking water - 15 ppb
- Paint chips - 0.5% lead
NOTE: Typical renovation without appropriate cleaning procedure will give lead levels 4 to 400 times the safe residue level.
Household lead test kits may be purchased anywhere paint is sold. It is simply a swab that instantly indicates lead presence but not levels. It is not recommended for a high risk environment and is not observed by regulatory bodies.
Routine daily safety tips include:
- Use cold water for cooking and washing vegetables.
- Let hot tap-water run 45 seconds before using.
- Wash hands before meals.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Follow a balanced diet low in fats and high in calcium and iron.
- Use good house cleaning habits.
NOTE: In 1978 homes with lead presence, bi-weekly house cleaning using recommended techniques reduced children's blood lead levels 34%. Wet-mopping, damp-dusting, and HEPA vacuuming are recommended.
______________ Developed by Jerry Hash
Extension Housing Associate
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0276.