United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Prevention, Pesticides,
and Toxic Substances
(7404)
EPA 747-8-99-003
May 1999
&EPA
Lead In Your Home:
A Parent's Reference Guide
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Contents
Foreword iii
1. Lead in Your Home: A Parent's Guide 1
How Lead Has Commonly Been Used 1
Finding Lead Hazards in Your Home 2
Other Sources of Lead Hazards 3
Health Effects of Lead 4
Lead Poisoning Prevention 6
2. Reducing the Risk of Lead in Your Home 7
Testing for Lead 7
How to Reduce Your Family's Risk of Leading Poisoning 10
Routine Cleaning and Maintenance 11
Rules for Sellers, Landlords, and Renovators 14
3. Protecting Your Children From
Lead Poisoning 17
Building Good Habits and Safe Surroundings 1 7
Testing You and Your Family for Lead Poisoning 18
Choosing a Child-Care Provider 19
What Your Children Need to Know 20
4. What You Need to Know Before Working
on Your Home 23
Equipment 23
How to Work Safely 25
5. Remodeling and Renovation... ..27
Replacing or Working on Windows 28
Preparing Surfaces for New Paint or Wallpaper 28
Removing or Replacing Carpeting 29
Performing Duct and Plumbing Work 29
Performing Minor Repairs 30
Working on the Exterior of Your Home 31
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LEAD IN YOUR HOME: A PARENT'S GUIDE
6. Interim Controls 33
Safe Management of Lead-Based Paint in Your Home 33
Removing Dust 34
Repainting Lead-Painted Surfaces 37
Repairing Friction and Impact Surfaces 37
Preventing Access to Soil Hazards 38
7. Abatement , .,...«41
Lead Abatement: What It Is, Who Should Do It 41
Replacement 42
Enclosure 43
Encapsulation .43
Paint Removal 44
Soil Abatement 45
Help From a Risk Assessor or a Contractor 45
8. Cleaning Up Lead Waste 47
Daily Cleanup 47
Personal Cleanup 48
Final Cleanup 48
Appendixes 51
A. For More Information 51
B. State Lead Program Contacts 53
C. EPA Regional Lead Contacts 57
D. Abatement Guidelines for Your Contractor 59
Glossary 65
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Foreword
To heighten awareness about lead poisoning prevention, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed Lead in Your
Home: A Parent's Reference Guide. The Agency believes this is an
essential resource for anyone—from owners to tenants—concerned
about the dangers of lead in their home and environment. This
Guidebook provides Agency recommendations on how you can reduce
your family's risk of lead exposure and prevent lead poisoning, ranging
from simple steps you can do now to more rigorous procedures that will
permanently get rid of lead hazards in your home.
Throughout the Guidebook, the term "home" is used to refer to your
home—whether you own or rent a house, apartment, or other type of
dwelling. In addition, the Guidebook has been designed so you do not
need to read every chapter. Read the Quick Tips listed at the beginning
of each chapter. They highlight important information provided in
that chapter. Turn to the appendix for a list of hotlines,
organizations, and people with further information on lead-related
issues. By being aware of the danger lead can pose to you
and your family, you are taking the first step in keeping them *
safe from its hazards.
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Lead in Your Home:
A Parent's Guide
Lead exposure can be dangerous, especially to children ages 6
and younger.
Exposure to lead-contaminated dusl, not lead-based paint, is the
most common way to get lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning can be prevented.
Lead is highly toxic. Exposure to it can be dangerous, especially for
children who are 6 or younger. But lead is also stable and easy to work
with, so it has been used for many purposes—even in our homes. It is
important that every parent know where lead can be found, and how to
control it. It is also important to know what to do if you or a member of
your family is exposed to lead.
How Lead Has Commonly Been Used
Lead is a metal that has been mined for thousands of years. In the past,
it was used in many common items found in or near homes. These
items include paint, gasoline, water pipes, and food cans.
»• Lead in paint. Manufacturers used to put lead
pigments in paint because the pigments make
paint last longer and cling to surfaces better. Bi
problems can occur later. Paint that is disturbed
that is breaking down with age can contaminate
dust. Lead-based paint is no longer used in
homes, on children's toys, or on household
furniture. In 1978, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) banned its sale for use in residences. That
same year the CPSC also made it illegal to paint children's toys and
household furniture with lead-based paint.
»• Lead in gasoline. Oil companies used to add lead to gasoline to
stop engine knocking in automobiles, but dangerous lead particles
escaped into the air through auto exhaust systems. In 1978, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reduced the amount of lead
allowed in gasoline.
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LEAD IN YOUR HOME: A PARENT'S GUIDE
> Lead in household pipes. Lead used in fixtures, pipes, or pipe
soldering can leach into water that flows through the pipes. In 1986,
and again in 1988, Congress changed the Safe Drinking Water Act
to restrict the use of lead in pipes, solder, and other components
used in public water systems and residential and nonresidential
plumbing. Unfortunately, lead may still be found in pipes today.
>• Lead in food cans. The lead solder used to seal food cans can
mix with the food in the can. The United States banned the use of
lead solder in cans in 1995, but it is still used in many other
countries. Lead solder may be found in cans imported to the
United States.
Lead-based paint that
is in good condition is
usually not a hazard.
Eighty-three percent of
private housing and
86 percent of public housing
built prior to 1980 contain
some lead-based paint.
Finding Lead Hazards in Your Home
Changes in the law have greatly reduced the amount of lead in our
homes and in the air today. But it is important to remember that lead
does not break down over time. Therefore, you should know how to
identify sources of lead in your home and how to keep your family safe.
Common Lead Hazards
The most common household lead hazards are deteriorated lead-based
paint, lead dust, and contaminated soil:
x Lead-based paint is a hazard if it is peeling, chipping, chalking, or
cracking. Even lead-based paint that appears to be undisturbed can
be a problem if it is on surfaces that children chew or that
get a lot of wear and tear. These areas include—
• Windows and window sills.
Doors and door frames.
Stairs, railings, and banisters.
Porches and fences.
Even surfaces that have been covered with new
paint or another covering can expose older lead-
based paint layers when they become cracked or
chipped. The older your home is, the more likely
it is to contain lead-based paint.
>• Dusl can become contaminated with lead
when lead-based paint is dry scraped or sanded. Dust can also
become contaminated when painted surfaces bump or rub
together. Lead chips and dust can gather on surfaces and objects
that people touch or that children put into their mouths.
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LEAD IN YOUR HOME: A PARENT'S GUIDE
o
>• Soil can become contaminated when exterior lead-based paint
from houses, buildings, or other structures flakes or peels and gets
into the soil. Soil near roadways may also be contaminated from past
use of leaded gasoline in cars. Avoid these areas when planting
vegetable gardens.
Other Sources of Lead Hazards
Although less common, a number of other lead hazards can be found
in homes:
>• Older plumbing fixtures, such as faucets, lead pipes, and pipes
connected with lead solder, can contaminate drinking water.
Older water well pumps made with brass or bronze parts that
contain lead can also contaminate drinking water. The amount of
lead in your water depends on the types and amounts of minerals in
the water, how long the water stays in the pipes, the amount of
wear in the pipes, the water's acidity, and its temperature. Lead can
leach into water at any temperature, but the amount of lead can be
much greater when the water is hot or warm, so don't drink or cook
with water from the "hot" faucet.
Boiling your water will not
get rid of the lead.
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LEAD IN YOUR HOME: A PARENT'S GUIDE
•- Some imported, non-glossy, vinyl miniblinds can be a lead hazard,
especially to young children. Sunlight and heat can break down the
blinds and may release lead-contaminated dust. Children who touch
the miniblinds and put their fingers in their mouths may ingest the
lead particles. It's best to remove these blinds if you have children
who are 6 or younger. If you purchase new miniblinds, look for
products with labels that say "New Formulation," "non-leaded
formula," "no lead added," or "New! Non-leaded vinyl
formulation."
> Painted toys and household furniture made before 1978 may be
painted with lead-based paint. Do not let children chew on any
older painted toys or furniture, such as cribs or playpens.
>• Lead-glazed ceramic ware, pottery, and leaded crystal can
contaminate food and liquids stored in them.
>• If you are exposed to lead at your job site, you could bring lead
dust home on your clothes, shoes, hair, or skin.
> Lead smelters or other industries can release lead into the air.
>• Hobbies such as making pottery, working with stained glass, or
refinishing furniture can expose you to lead hazards. Try not to work
on these hobbies where children are present.
> Folk remedies that contain lead can cause lead poisoning. Two
examples are "Greta" and "Azarcon," which are often used in
Hispanic and Asian communities to treat an upset stomach. Another
is "Pay loo ah," which is a red powder used to treat a rash or fever.
Putting lead into a human body is dangerous, and it does not cure
such ailments.
Health Effects of Lead
mmmmm Lead is poisonous because it interferes with some of the body's basic
Q. How does lead get into functions. A human body cannot tell the difference between lead and
my body? calcium, which is a mineral that strengthens bones. Like calcium, lead
remains in the bloodstream for a few weeks. Then it is absorbed into
A. It mainly enters the body the bones, where it can collect for a lifetime.
through the mouth or nose.
Lead can affect anyone, but children ages 6 and younger face special
hazards. In part, this is because the bodies of children in this age group
develop rapidly. It is also because young children tend to put things in
their mouths. More on this in Chapter 3.
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LEAD IN YOUR HOME: A PARENT'S GUIDE
It is important to know that even exposure to low levels of lead can
permanently affect children. In low levels, lead can cause—
Nervous system and kidney damage.
Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased
intelligence.
> Speech, language, and behavior problems.
:• Poor muscle coordination.
Decreased muscle and bone growth.
;- Hearing damage.
While low-level exposure is most common, exposure to high levels of
lead can have devastating effects on children, including seizures,
unconsciousness, and, in some cases, death.
Although children are especially susceptible to lead exposure, lead can
be dangerous for adults too. In adults, high lead levels can cause—
: Increased chance of illness during pregnancy.
Harm to a fetus, including brain damage or death.
Fertility problems (in men and women).
> High blood pressure.
Digestive problems.
Nerve disorders.
> Memory and concentration problems.
Muscle and joint pain.
In the United States,
about 900,000 children
ages 1 to 5 have a blood-
lead level above the level
of concern.
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LEAD IN YOUR HOME: A PARENT'S GUIDE
Q. How do I know if I have
lead poisoning?
A. The only way to know if
you have lead poisoning is
to get a blood test from
your doctor. Many people
mistake the symptoms of
lead poisoning for other
common illnesses, such
as a cold or the flu.
Sometimes there are no
symptoms at all.
Lead poisoning is not easy to detect. Sometimes no symptoms occur,
and sometimes the symptoms are the same as those of more common
illnesses. Some of the early signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in
children are—
Persistent tiredness or hyperactivity.
Irritability.
Loss of appetite.
Weight loss.
Reduced attention span.
> Difficulty sleeping.
'-- Constipation.
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead cannot be seen. Lead cannot be felt. But lead poisoning can be
prevented. In most parts of the United States, state and local agencies
are available to help you prevent lead poisoning. However, it is up to
you to keep your family safe from lead hazards in your home.
It is never too soon to start protecting your family from lead hazards.
The best thing you can do is lower the chances of exposure to lead in
your home—both now and in the future. You can begin right now, by
taking these steps:
1. Keep your home clean.
2. Wipe up any paint chips with a wet sponge or rag.
3. Ensure that your family members eat well-balanced meals.
More day-to-day tips for reducing exposure risks and the reasons why
they help can be found in Chapters 2 and 3. Measures you can take to
reduce lead exposure temporarily or to eliminate the problem are
described in Chapters 6 and 7.
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Reducing the Risk of
Lead in Your Home
Some simple steps—like keeping your home dean and feeding your
family a well-balanced diet—will go a long way in preventing lead
poisoning.
Going one step further and getting your home tested for lead can
also help you and your family. One kind of test—known as a risk
assessment—will tell you where lead hazards are and what to do
about them.
Lead-based paint is usually not harmful it it—
> is not chipping or flaking AND
> is not bumped, rubbed, or chewed.
Lead-based paint can create harmful lead dust if it is chipping,
flaking, bumped, rubbed, or chewed.
Testing for Lead
Should I Get My Home Tested?
If your home was built before 1978 and you have children ages 6 or
younger, consider testing. A good time to do it is before you move into
a new home or have a baby. You may also want to test your home if it
has painted surfaces that are in poor condition. Before you begin home
repair or remodeling projects, test any painted surfaces that will be
removed or remodeled. Remember, disturbing lead-based paint can
create a lead-poisoning hazard.
How Can I Get My Home Tested?
To test your home for lead, have either a risk assessment or a lead
inspection done. Read on to find out which is better for your situation.
A risk assessment. A risk assessor tells you if your home contains
sources of lead exposure—such as peeling paint or lead dust. The
risk assessor will give you a report that identifies lead hazards and
ways to control them. If you suspect you have a lead hazard, a
risk assessment is usually the most appropriate way to test.
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REDUCING THE RISK OF LEAD IN YOUR HOME
An inspection. A lead inspector reveals the lead content of every
different type of painted surface in your home. An inspection will
not tell you whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal
with it. The purpose of the inspection is to test each type of painted
surface in your home and answer two questions:
(1) Is lead-based paint present?
(2) If lead-based paint is present, where is it located?
It's important to know where lead-based paint is in your home so
that, if disturbed by you or your contractor, additional lead hazards
aren't created. An inspection is usually recommended if you plan to
remodel, renovate, or disturb paint. It is also advised if you plan to
abate the lead-based paint in your home.
Whether you hire an inspector or a risk assessor to do your testing,
check his or her background. Those who have worked with public
housing authorities and childhood lead poisoning prevention programs
are usually well qualified. Federal law requires risk assessors and
inspectors to be certified. For a list of certified lead inspectors and risk
assessors in your area, call your state lead contact (see Appendix B) or
the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at (800) 424-LEAD.
What Will I Get From the Testing?
Risk assessment: The risk assessor will identify lead-based paint
hazards and suggest ways to reduce or control the hazards. For
example, a risk assessor may suggest that you clean or dust more often,
repair deteriorated lead-painted surfaces, or plant grass in areas with bare
soil. The assessor may also suggest that you replace old windows, re-cover
old floors, or remove soil. The risk assessor's report will show you options
for methods you can use to control hazards.
Lead inspection: The inspector will give you a report that tells you
whether your home contains lead-based paint and where it is
found. The report will not tell you whether it is a hazard or how it
should be treated.
What Are Home Test Kits?
Home test kits are used in the home to detect lead in paint, soil, and
dust. Some kits can test dishes, glasses, and ceramics. A reaction occurs
causing a color change when the chemicals in the kit are exposed to
lead.
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REDUCING THE RISK OF LEAD IN YOUR HOME
Does the Federal Government Recommend
Home Test Kits?
No. The Federal Government does not currently recommend home
test kits to detect lead in paint, dust, or soil. Studies show these kits are
not reliable enough to tell the difference between high and low levels
of lead.
What About Testing for Lead in Water?
If you think your water might contain lead, call either the EPA Safe
Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or your local health
department or water supplier to find out about testing your water.
Meanwhile, use only cold water for drinking and cooking. Run tap water
for 1 5 to 30 seconds (or until it feels much colder on your hand),
especially if you have not used your water for several hours.
Do not rely on home test
kits. Studies show that
they are not always
accurate.
What About Testing for Lead in Dishes, Glasses, and
Ceramics?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can tell you how to best test
for lead in dishes, cups, glasses, and other items. Contact the FDA at
(800) FDA-4010 for information on testing these items. Or search for
the topic "lead" on FDA's home page at www.fcla.gov.
Am I Required to Do Anything After Testing?
You may not be required to do anything, but read about the situations
described below to see if either one applies to you:
- Some states and localities require the parents of children with high
levels of lead in their blood to have the lead hazards abated by a
certified contractor. (See Chapter 7 and Appendix D for more
information on abatement.)
, If you are a home seller or a landlord, you must reveal any known
lead-based paint hazards to potential buyers or renters. (For more
information on this, see page 14.)
If you decide to hire a professional firm to control lead hazards, you
may want to hire someone other than the person who did the testing.
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REDUCING THE RISK OF LEAD IN YOUR HOME
How to Reduce Your Family's
Risk of Lead Poisoning
What Can I Do Now to Protect My Family?
If you think your home has lead-based paint, take these simple steps to
help protect your family:
>• Keep your home clean by washing floors, window frames, window
sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or a sponge with a
solution of water and an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner
made specifically for lead to clean up dust. Clean up paint chips
using a wet sponge or rag. (For information on repairing chipped
surfaces, see Chapter 6.)
> Completely rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning
dirty or dusty areas.
>• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to
avoid tracking in lead from soil.
> Have children play in grassy areas
instead of soil.
>• Never allow children to play under
windows or around painted surfaces
that often rub together or get bumped.
> Make sure children wash their hands
after playing outside and before eating
or going to bed.
>• Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles,
pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals
regularly.
>• Keep children from chewing on painted surfaces, such as
window sills, cribs, or playpens.
Make sure you and your family eat a well-balanced diet
that is low in fat and high in calcium and iron. Include foods such
as fish,
green vegetables, milk, and cheese. (More on why this helps in
Chapter 3.)
> Use cold water for drinking or cooking since lead is more likely to
leach into warm or hot water.
>• If you rent property, tell your landlord about peeling or
chipping paint.
10
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REDUCING THE RISK OF LEAD IN YOUR HOME
f
How Can I Reduce or Get Rid of the Lead-Based Paint
Hazards in My Home?
In addition to the day-to-day steps outlined in the previous section, you
can prevent lead poisoning by using either interim controls, abatement,
or both.
> Interim controls. Interim controls are treatments that temporarily
reduce the risk of exposure to lead hazards. For example, you can
repair damaged painted surfaces or plant grass to cover soil. (For
more information on interim controls, see Chapter 6.)
> Abatement. Abatement is the permanent elimination of lead-based
paint hazards. The four methods below are for abatement of
structural components in housing.
• Replacement. The removal of lead-painted items—such as
windows, doors, and trim—and the installation of new, lead-free
items.
• Enclosure. The covering of lead-painted surfaces with a stiff
material—such as paneling or wallboard—to prevent lead dust
from getting into the environment. Enclosure also prevents
contact with the lead-based paint.
• Encapsulation. The covering of lead-painted surfaces with a
special liquid coating. Once it dries, the coating prevents contact
with the lead-based paint and the spread of lead dust.
• Paint removal. The removal of paint done either in your home
or at a paint stripping facility. Methods often used include wet
scraping, wet planing, or chemical stripping.
You can perform many simple interim controls yourself, but—because
performing an abatement can be dangerous—only a certified contractor
should perform an abatement. Call your state lead contact (see
Appendix B) or the National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-
LEAD for a list of certified contractors in your area.
Routine Cleaning and Maintenance
It is very important to care for the lead-painted surfaces in your home.
Lead-based paint in good condition is usually not harmful.
What Causes Lead Dust?
Certain household activities are likely to disturb lead-painted surfaces
and contaminate dust, including repeatedly opening and closing
windows and bumping furniture or other objects against painted walls.
Dust can also become contaminated during many home improvement
Q. What is the difference
between interim controls
and abatement?
A. Interim controls
temporarily reduce lead
hazards. They may solve the
problem, at least until the
condition of the affected
area worsens. If that
happens, the hazard needs
to be reevaluated.
Abatement permanently
eliminates the lead hazard.
Do not try to perform an
abatement in your home
yourself. Always use a
certified contractor. If not
properly performed, an
abatement can actually
increase the risk
of exposing your family
to lead.
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REDUCING THE RISK OF LEAD IN YOUR HOME
Although the lead-based
paint in your home may be
in good condition, if it is on
a surface that is often
rubbed, bumped, or
chewed, it can easily peel
and flake and can be
harmful.
activities. If you must perform any of the activities that follow, do them
carefully—and don't do them often/ These activities include—
> Nailing, drilling, or screwing into lead-painted surfaces.
:•• Prying painted surfaces apart.
;- Cutting, sawing, or chopping lead-painted surfaces.
> Tearing out walls.
> Making holes in walls or ceilings to access pipes or install electrical
outlets.
> Scraping, sanding, brushing, or using a heat gun on painted surfaces
before repainting. Heat guns should not be warmed above
1100° F. If heated above this temperature, lead-based paint
can give off toxic fumes.
For more information on safe work practices when repairing and
remodeling lead-painted surfaces, see Chapter 4.
How Do I Prevent Lead Dust?
Follow three important rules when dealing with lead-based paint:
> Do not dry scrape or sand most lead-painted surfaces. Instead,
wet scrape areas by misting the surface with water before and
during scraping. (More on this in Appendix D.) Limit dry scraping to
areas that cannot get wet, such as those around electrical outlets.
•:•- Try to control dust during work on lead-painted surfaces by using
the equipment and following the precautions listed in Chapter 4.
Use a wet sponge or a mister to dampen and wipe down surfaces
when cleaning. Never dry sweep or dust lead-painted surfaces.
What Are the Best Ways to Clean Dust?
There are ways to clean your home that will help you reduce or prevent
your family's exposure to lead dust. Here are some tips on how to clean—
and how not to clean—your home. It's best to follow these steps weekly.
Cleaning Uncarpeted Floors
Do use—
Damp or wet mopping.
> Standard "sponge" or "string" type mops and an all-purpose cleaner
or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
, Standard vacuum cleaners if no visible dust or
debris from chipping or flaking paint is present.
;:
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REDUCING THE RISK OF LEAD IN YOUR HOME
Don't use—
> Mops with a "scrubber" strip attached.
> Powered buffing or polishing machines.
v Vacuums with "beater bars" that may wear
away the painted surface.
>• Dry sweeping of surface dust and debris.
Cleaning Carpets and Rugs
Do use—
>• "Wet scrubbing" methods to remove stains.
>• Steam cleaning methods.
> Standard vacuum cleaners if no visible dust or debris from chipping
or flaking paint is present.
Don't use—
> Shaking or "beating" of carpets and rugs.
Cleaning Walls
Do use—
>• Soft cloths to wet wipe walls.
>• All-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
Don't use—
>• Steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive cleaners.
>• Solvent cleaners that may dissolve paint.
Cleaning Other Painted Surfaces
Do use—
> Soft cloths.
> All-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
Don't use—
>• Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads.
> Solvent cleaners that may dissolve the paint.
> Excessive rubbing of spots to remove them.
Dusting
Do use—
>• Disposable, non-abrasive dusting cloths or "dusters."
13
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REDUCING THE RISK OF LEAD IN YOUR HOME
The Real Estate
Disclosure Rule requires
that the owner of any
home built before 1978
inform potential buyers
and renters about known
lead-based paint hazards
in the home.
Rules for Sellers, Landlords, and Renovators
Lead-based paint can be found on the painted surfaces—inside and
outside—of many residences built before the 1978 ban. The U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that
83 percent of private housing and 86 percent of public housing built
prior to 1980 contain lead-based paint. In addition, the older the home,
the more likely it is to contain lead-based paint. That's because lead-
based paint was widely used during the first several decades of the
20th century. It was not until the 1950's that the use of lead-based
paint in homes began to decline noticeably. During the
1950's, latex paint—which seldom contains lead—became
the dominant paint for interior walls. Although the use of
lead-based paint in homes continued to decline throughout
the 1960's and 1970's, its use was not stopped altogether
until it was banned in 1978.
To help protect people against lead hazards in homes,
EPA and HUD developed the Real Estate Disclosure
Rule. The owner of any home built before 1978 must
follow guidelines set out by the Rule and inform
possible buyers and renters about known lead-based
paint hazards in the home.
Buying A Home
If you plan to buy a home built before 1 978, the seller must-
>• Tell you about any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint
hazards in the home.
> Give you any records or reports about lead-based paint or lead-
based paint hazards in the home.
>• Give you a copy of the EPA pamphlet titled Protect Your Family
From Lead In Your Home. The pamphlet briefly describes lead
hazards and lead poisoning.
>• Give you a 10-day opportunity to test the home for lead.
>• Include certain warning language in the sales contract and a signed
statement verifying that all requirements have been met.
*• Keep the signed statement for 3 years.
The seller is not required to—
>• Test the home for lead.
> Remove any lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards
discovered during any testing that you have conducted.
14
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REDUCING THE RISK OF LEAD IN YOUR HOME
Renting A Home
If you plan to rent housing built before 1978, the landlord must—
. Tell you about any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint
hazards in the home.
> Give you any records or reports about lead-based paint or lead-
based paint hazards in the home.
• Give you a copy of the EPA pamphlet titled Protect Your Family
From Lead In Your Home. The pamphlet briefly describes lead
hazards and lead poisoning.
•> Include certain warning language in the rental contract and a signed
statement verifying that all requirements have been met.
: Keep the signed statement for 3 years.
The landlord is not required to—
>• Test the home for lead.
> Remove any lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards
discovered during any testing that you have conducted.
> Give you 10 days to test for lead.
Renovating A Home
If you hire a contractor to renovate your home and your home was
built before 1978, the renovator must give you a copy of the EPA
pamphlet titled Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home before
work begins.
If a hired contractor is going to renovate a house or apartment
that you rent and that was built before 1978, the renovator must give
you and your landlord the EPA pamphlet titled Protect Your Family From
Lead In Your Home before the work begins.
If you live in a building built before 1978 with more than four
units or apartments and there are renovation activities taking
place in a common area of the building, the renovator must, before
beginning work, inform you and the other building residents about the
nature and extent of the renovations and make the EPA pamphlet titled
Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home available in a central
location.
If you plan to buy a home
built before 1978, the
seller must give you 10
days, or another mutually
agreeable period, to
conduct a lead inspection.
If you plan to rent a home
built before 1978, the
owner does not have to
give you an opportunity to
test for lead.
-------
-------
Protecting Your
Children From Lead
Poisoning
A child does not have to eat paint chips to get lead poisoning.
It is more common for a child to get lead poisoning by swallowing
lead dust.
Children who eat healthy foods are less likely to get lead poisoning.
Your family, especially your children, should be tested for lead. It is
the only way to detect lead poisoning.
By performing some
simple, everyday tasks, you
can reduce your children's
exposure to lead.
Building Good Habits and Safe Surroundings
A child does not have to eat paint chips to get lead poisoning. It is more
common for a child to swallow lead dust or soil that contains lead from
paint. How does this happen? First, dust or soil settles on the hands or
toys of children as they play. Then, as children commonly do, they
put their hands and their toys in their mouths, and they swallow the
dust or soil.
Good habits and a clean home will go a long way toward reducing the
risk of exposure to lead. Good food can lessen the effects of exposure.
As a parent, you have a responsibility to help your children develop
good habits. You also have a responsibility to do what you can to
provide your children with good nutrition and safe surroundings. Here
are guidelines you can follow every day:
K Make sure your children eat at least three meals a day. Less
lead is absorbed when children have food in their systems.
> Give your children foods high in iron and calcium, such as milk,
cheese, fish, peanut butter, and raisins. When a child does not have
enough iron or calcium in his or her body, the body mistakes lead
for these nutrients. A diet lacking protein, vitamin C, and zinc may
also cause increased blood-lead levels.
>• Avoid giving your children fried and fatty foods. These foods
allow the body to absorb lead faster. Cut down on fat by baking,
broiling, or steaming food.
17
-------
PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN FROM LEAD POISONING
> Don't store food or liquid in lead crystal glassware or imported
or old pottery.
>• Teach children to wash their hands before they eat or sleep.
>• Make sure your children do not have access to peeling paint
and do not chew on painted surfaces such as cribs, playpens, or
window ledges.
>• Keep your home clean. At least once a week, wash areas such as
hard surface floors, baseboards, and window sills. Use a solution of
water and an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for
lead.
> Wash children's toys, bottles, and pacifiers often. Stuffed toys in
particular accumulate dust and should be washed often.
> Encourage your children to play in grassy areas instead of dirt,
which sticks to fingers and toys. Also, tlo not let them eat dirt.
> Teach your children about the dangers of lead and their role in
keeping themselves safe. Use stories, role-playing, and songs to help
your children recognize sources of lead and learn prevention
behaviors. Explain how good nutrition prevents lead poisoning, and
help them choose healthy foods.
Testing You and Your Family
for Lead Poisoning
The best thing to do for your child is to test the level of lead in his
or her body. This is done using a simple blood test. Your doctor or your
local health center can perform the test and explain the results.
*• Here are some tips on when to test, and how often:
If your child is at risk of lead exposure, have the child tested at the
age of 6 months. (A child is at risk of lead exposure if—for
example—he or she lives in a home built before 1978 that has
peeling or chipping paint, or if the adults in the home work with
lead.) Repeat the test every 6 months until the age of 2 years. After
that, have the child tested once a year until age 6.
If your child is not at risk of lead exposure, have the child tested
for the first time at the age of 1 year, and again at age 2.
If your child has been tested and has a blood-lead level at or above 10
micrograms per deciliter (ug/dl), you may need to take certain
preventive measures. In some cases, when lead poisoning is severe, a
drug treatment called chelation can be used. Chelation gradually
removes lead from the body. It should be only administered under the
strict supervision of a physician.
-------
PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN FROM LEAD POISONING
When your doctor gives you the results of yoLir blood test, use the
following chart. It will help explain what the numbers mean.
ir doctor
he results are .
0-9 micrograms
per deciliter (ug/dl)
10-14ug/dl
15-19 ug/dl
20-44 ug/dl
Above 44 ug/dl
should
Continue routine testing. Not considered lead poisoning.
Rescreen frequently and consult with your doctor about prevention
measures. (See Lead Poisoning Prevention in Chapter 1.)
Determine the lead source and seek advice about proper diet.
Obtain a medical checkup, determine the lead source, and
seek advice about proper diet. Children may need medical
treatment (chelation).
Get immediate care. Considered serious lead poisoning.
Choosing a Child-Care Provider
Although your home may be free of lead-based paint hazards, your
child could still be exposed elsewhere. It is important that any place in
which your child spends more than 10 hours a week be free of lead
hazards. If you take your child to a clay-care center, look around the
inside and the outside of the day-care center for lead hazards.
When checking the facility, look at—
>• Interior painted areas. Examine walls and interior surfaces to see
if the paint is cracking, chipping, or peeling.
> Exterior painted areas. Check exterior paint as well; it can flake
off and contaminate nearby soil where children may play.
> Surrounding areas. Be sure there are no large structures nearby
with peeling or flaking paint that could contaminate the soil around
play areas. Examples include bridges and water towers.
>• Cleaning practices. Make sure the staff washes any pacifiers, toys,
or bottles that fall on the floor. Also, make sure the children are
made to wash their hands thoroughly after playing outside and
before eating or sleeping.
> Play areas. Look to see if areas where children play are dust-free
and clean.
> Old painted toys and furniture. Make sure the paint is not
cracking, chipping, or peeling.
The best thing to do for
any family member—of any
age—who may have been
exposed to lead is to have
the level of lead in that
person's body checked.
-------
PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN FROM LEAD POISONING
^
Needto
Know
Lead can make young
children very sick. It is
important to teach
them how to prevent
lead poisoning. These
pictures will help you
show your children
how to stay safe
and healthy.
Don*t be afraid to
visit your doctor.
Your doctor can tell you if
you have lead in your body.
Don't eat too many
fried or fatty foods.
Eating too many fatty foods will
increase the amount of lead
that your body stores.
Don*t put things
other than food
in your mouth.
20
-------
PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN FROM LEAD POISONING
Play In grassy areas.
Do not piay in dirt!
Sometimes, dirt contains lead
and can make you sick.
Eat healthy foods.
Healthy food is good for your
body, but did you know that
you are less likely to get
sick from lead if you eat
healthy food?
Wash your
hands often.
Always wash your hands
before eating.
sure your
parents wash
your toys.
21
-------
-------
What You Need to
Know Before Working
on Your Home
Using the right equipment when working with lead will keep you
and your family safe from dangerous lead dust.
One of the most important pieces of equipment to use is a
respirator with a HEPA filter on it. The respirator and filter will
remove lead particles from the air you breathe.
Another important piece of equipment is a type of thick plastic
sheeting called six-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting. The plastic
must cover all work areas to prevent lead dust from spreading
throughout your home.
Equipment
Before beginning a remodeling, renovation, or interim control project, it
is important to plan. For example, decide where you will begin and how
long the project will take. It is also important to get the right equipment
to protect you and your family from lead exposure. The following section
will explain the equipment you will need and how to use it.
>• NIOSH-certified respirator with a HEPA (High-Efficiency
Participate Air) filter. You should wear a properly fitted respirator
equipped with a HEPA filter when doing any work that might create
lead dust. A respirator will filter lead dust particles out of the air you
breathe. You can buy respirators at many industrial supply centers or
home improvement stores for about $20-$30. When you buy your
respirator, make sure you have a "fit check." Most stores that sell
respirators have salespeople who can perform this test.
A fit check has two steps: (1) a positive-pressure fit check, and (2) a
negative-pressure fit check. Have the fit check done when you buy the
respirator, and repeat the test yourself every time you wear your
respirator.
(1) Positive-pressure fit check. Use the palm of your hand to
cover the respirator valve on your chin. Gently blow out. The
respirator should balloon out slightly and the seal should tighten.
If air leaks out and the seal does not tighten, you need to adjust
the respirator or try another size.
23
-------
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE WORKING ON YOUR HOME
Q. Should I wear any
protective gear when doing
something in my home
that may expose me to
lead—such as repairs or
remodeling or performing
an interim control?
A. You should wear a
respirator to prevent lead
dust and particles from
getting into your lungs. It
must be equipped with a
HEPA filter. Traditional dust
masks will not prevent lead
particles from getting
into your lungs.
(2) Negative-pressure fit check. Cover the two filters with both
hands and inhale. The respirator should tighten to your face and
you should not feel any air flowing in. If you feel air coming in,
the respirator does not fit properly. You need to adjust it or try
another size.
Keep the following points in mind when buying and using
a respirator:
• Get the right size.
• If you are working with lead, your respirator must be equipped
with a HEPA filter.
• Perform negative- and positive-pressure tit checks every time you
use your respirator.
• If you have a beard, are not clean-shaven, or have a broken nose,
a respirator cannot completely seal to your face. Dust particles
can leak in.
• If you have gained or lost weight since buying your respirator, it
may no longer fit. You may have to purchase a different size.
• Never take off your respirator until after you have removed your
outer protective clothing.
> HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner. This special type of
vacuum will trap lead particles and prevent them from being
released back into the air. Household vacuums will not work; their
exhaust systems release the lead particles into the air. You can rent a
HEPA vacuum from stores that carry remodeling tools. Some
laboratory safety and supply catalogs sell them starting at about $300.
Remember—when you finish vacuuming—carefully empty the dust
collected in the vacuum cleaner, being sure to dampen it with
water first to control the spread of the collected dust.
> Wet-sanding equipment, wet/dry abrasive paper, and wet-
sanding sponges for "wet-methods." These can be purchased
at hardware stores.
> All-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
A solution of water and an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made
specifically for lead should be used to clean up lead dust from work
areas. Use one bucket for the cleaning solution and one bucket for
rinsing. Change the rinse water frequently (at least once for each
room being cleaned) and replace rags, sponges, and mops often.
24
-------
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE WORKING ON YOUR HOME 0
> Six-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting. This thick, plastic sheeting
is used to cover the area in which you are working. It can be
purchased at hardware stores or lumber yards. The label should say
that the plastic is made of polyethylene and is 6 mils thick.
>• Duct tape. You will need duct tape to completely seal the plastic
in place.
> Protective clothing. To keep lead dust from being tracked
throughout your home, wear clothes such as coveralls, shoe covers,
hats, goggles, face shields, and gloves. These items are available
through laboratory safety equipment supply catalogs and vendors.
Inexpensive disposable suits can sometimes be purchased
at paint stores.
How to Work Safely
Whether you are renovating, remodeling, or performing interim
controls, you must follow these safeguards to prevent lead dust from
spreading throughout your home:
> Construct an airlock at the entry to the work area. The airlock
consists of two sheets of the thick plastic. One sheet is completely
taped along all four edges. The tape must extend all the way around
the top, two sides, and the floor. This plastic sheet is then cut down
the middle. The second sheet is only taped along the top and acts
as a flap covering the slit in the first sheet of plastic. If
two entryways exist, one should be completely sealed in
plastic. As an alternative, the doorway can be taped
closed on all sides.
> Remove all furniture, area rugs, curtains, food,
clothing, and other household items until cleanup is
complete. Items that cannot be removed from the
work area should be tightly wrapped with the plastic
sheeting and sealed with duct tape until all work and
cleanup is complete.
> Turn off forced-air heating and air-
conditioning systems when remodeling,
renovating, or performing interim controls.
Then cover the heating and air conditioning
vents with the plastic sheeting. Tape the
sheeting in place with duct tape. Windows
should be kept closed unless volatile
chemicals will be used. FIRST-
SHEET
Keep all children, pregnant
women, and pets away
from the work area.
w S
/ «
j *
r~§Jj
f'Ti.
' UL_L_
£5355=2=
— If— 1
• I
•
-fS \
I 1
'i/s/* : ' s/f)
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25
-------
0 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE WORKING ON YOUR HOME
>> Cover openings, such as gaps around pipes and between
floorboards, with plastic or duct tape to prevent lead dust from
sifting clown to lower floors and rising to upper floors.
Do not eat, drink, or > Cover exposed surfaces that you cannot remove with the plastic
smoke in the work area. sheeting. Examples include floors, carpeting, counter tops, and
shelves.
> Tape around the door seals of refrigerator;; to prevent dust from
getting into the food inside.
> Spray water on lead-painted surfaces to keep dust from
spreading.
26
-------
Remodeling and
Renovation
Lead-based paint is most often found around windows, in kitchens,
and in bathrooms.
Home projects done on lead-painted areas can create harmful
lead dust.
If you think your home has lead-based paint, hire a professional to
test for lead before beginning work.
If your home has lead-based paint, it is best to hire a trained
contractor who knows how to work safely with lead to perform
renovations.
Remember these important rules—
>> If your house was built before 1978 and you hire a
professional to renovate, the renovator must, before beginning
the renovation, give you a copy of the EPA pamphlet Protect Your
Family From Lead In Your Home.
> Before beginning work, hire a professional to test affected areas
and see if lead-based paint is present. Call your state lead contact
(Appendix B) or the National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-
LEAD for a list of qualified consultants in your area who perform
testing services.
If you have already completed repairs or remodeling that could
have released lead-based paint or dust—
> Have your children ages 6 or younger tested for lead. Call your
doctor or your local health department to schedule testing.
>• Keep children away from dust and paint chips.
> Clean up all dust and chips with wet mops and rags. Pay special
attention to floors and window troughs.
It is best to have any repair or remodeling work done by a
renovator who knows how to protect your family from exposure to
lead dust. It is best to hire one who has training and experience in
dealing with the hazards of remodeling or renovating homes with lead-
based paint.
27
-------
REMODELING AND RENOVATION
Be careful when
performing the following
renovation and remodeling
activities. They can disturb
lead-painted surfaces and
create lead dust.
>• Removing paint
>-Sanding
>Patching
>-Scraping or tearing
down walls
>-Making holes in walls or
ceilings to gain access to
pipes or install
electrical outlets
>• Removing or replacing
windows, baseboards,
doors, plumbing fixtures,
heating and ventilation
duct work, or
electrical systems
Z8
If you chose to do this work, you should follow all of the work
practices and safety precautions in this guide. These include the
recommendations in this chapter and in Chapter 8 on cleanup.
Replacing or Working on Windows
Window sills and frames on homes built before 1978 can have high
amounts of lead-based paint. Because these items are seldom replaced,
paint tends to build up on them. To remove a window safely, follow
these basic safety precautions:
>• Tape the thick, plastic sheeting (mentioned on page 25) over the
entire inside window opening.
> Cover the floor under the window with the plastic sheeting to catch
any falling dust. Also, cover the ground outside the window with the
plastic sheeting to catch dust and chips.
>• Spray the window sill and frame with water to reduce the dust.
> Remove the window unit from the outside, if possible. If you must
remove it from the inside, make sure you cover all entryways into
the room in which you are working with the plastic sheeting.
>• Clean up and dispose of all waste according to the directions in
Chapter 8.
Preparing Surfaces for New Paint
or Wallpaper
Preparing walls and other surfaces for painting, staining, or papering can
create lead exposure risks. Follow these good work practices to reduce
your risk of exposure to lead:
> Cover the floor and furniture with the thick, plastic sheeting.
> Avoid sanding lead-painted surfaces whenever possible. If you must
sand, use a sander with a vacuum attachment connected to a HEPA
filter-equipped vacuum cleaner or use a wet-sanding sponge.
> Wipe the area you are sanding often and rinse the sponge in a
bucket of water. Strain out any paint chips and dispose of them in
heavy-duty plastic bags.
>• Wash the walls with a solution of water and an all-purpose cleaner
or a cleaner made specifically for lead. Let them dry before painting
or papering. Never power-wash or blast lead-painted surfaces inside
your home; this can contaminate dust, which can spread to other
areas of your home.
> Heat guns may be used to remove paint, but do not use those that
operate above 1100° F.
-------
REMODELING AND RENOVATION
Many traditional methods of preparing a painted surface for repainting,
refinishing, or restaining can poison both children and adults if the paint
is lead-based. Therefore, they should never be used by homeowners.
These methods include—
. Open-flame burning or torching or use of heat guns that operate
above 1100° F.
..- Machine sanding or grinding without a HEPA vacuum exhaust tool.
Uncontained hydroblasting or high-pressure washing.
Abrasive blasting or sandblasting without a HEPA vacuum
exhaust tool.
Use of dry scrapers or dry sand paper for large areas.
Removing or Replacing Carpeting
If you plan to remove or replace your carpet as part of a remodeling
job, take the following steps to avoid spreading lead dust:
>• Mist the entire surface of the carpet with water to keep
dust clown.
>• Roll the carpet inward to avoid spreading dust to other areas.
>• Wrap carpet and pad in the thick, plastic sheeting. Tape seams
closed with duct tape.
> Vacuum floor with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner after
the carpet is wrapped but before you remove it.
> HEPA vacuum the floor again after you remove the carpet.
Performing Duct and Plumbing Work
DuctWork
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning ducts can collect dust over the
years. If you suspect that the dust contains lead, follow these steps when
replacing or cleaning the ducts:
> Cover the floor under the ducts with the thick, plastic sheeting to
catch any falling dust.
>- Use a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner to remove dust
from inside the ducts before starting work.
> Rinse the duct pieces in an area away from your home before
putting them back in place, if you are going to dispose of the old
duct pieces, follow the cleanup instructions in Chapter 8.
29
-------
REMODELING AND RENOVATION
Plumbing
Disturbing lead-soldered pipes can knock loose pieces of lead solder
that can get into your drinking water. Follow these precautions when
working with plumbing:
>• Use enough ventilation to avoid inhaling dangerous fumes from
soldering.
* Carefully throw away solder pieces in a tightly sealed trash bag.
> Use lead-free solder when working on drinking water plumbing.
>• Remove faucet aerators and clean out any debris before
reinstalling them. Look carefully for grit or pieces of solder and
remove them.
>• Flush the supply pipes of loose pieces of solder
by letting the water run for several minutes with the
aerators removed.
Also, consider removing older plumbing fixtures—such as
faucets, lead pipes, or pipes connected with lead soldering—and
replacing them with lead-free ones. Consult a plumber or plumbing
materials distributer for more information.
Performing Minor Repairs
Performing minor repairs on lead-painted surfaces can expose you to
lead hazards. If you plan to make minor repairs, such as repairing a
door, drilling holes in walls, or sawing into painted wood or plaster,
follow these steps:
> Cover the floor under the work area with the thick, plastic sheeting
to catch any sludge or dust.
Spray the work area surface with water to reduce the amount of
dust generated during the repair.
- To eliminate friction points on a door, first mist the door, then
remove the door to plane it. Keep door surfaces being planed wet
during repair. Replace the door when the work is complete.
After making the repair, use a HEPA-filter equipped vacuum cleaner
to vacuum all surfaces within 5 feet of the work area.
-------
REMODELING AND RENOVATION
Working on the Exterior of Your Home
Working on the outside of your home can produce dust, paint chips, larger
pieces of material, and liquids that contain lead. To prevent contaminating
the areas around your home—
> Cover the ground and any flowers or plants with the thick,
plastic sheeting to catch dust and trash. It should extend at least 5
feet from the base of your house and an additional 3 feet for each
additional story. Use bricks or rocks to hold the edges of the plastic
sheeting in place.
> Cover sandboxes with the plastic sheeting. If possible, move play
equipment at least 20 feet away from the work area.
> Close all windows, including windows in adjacent dwellings,
within 20 feet of the work area. If dust gets inside, use wet mops
and rags to clean it up.
> Anchor ladders securely to the ground. Do not put them on the
thick, plastic sheeting. Cut slots in the sheeting and place the ladder
directly on the ground.
> Make one lead-safe entryway available to residents at all
times. Do not treat front and rear entrances simultaneously if there
is not a third doorway.
>• Avoid working in windy conditions. Strong winds can blow lead
dust to areas that are not covered. If the chips and dust are blowing
off the plastic sheeting, set UD a barrier to block the wind or do the
work another day.
31
-------
Page Intentionally Blank
-------
Interim Controls
There are ways you can temporarily control exposure to lead-
based paint, dust, and soil. They are called interim controls.
Keep in mind interim controls will not get rid of lead hazards
forever. They can, however, help cut down on the risk
of exposure.
Lead dust in your home can be harmful to you and your family.
It should be removed.
Safe Management of Lead-Based Paint
in Your Home
Interim controls are actions you can take to reduce lead hazards in
your home without hiring an abatement contractor. They are less
expensive than abatement and a good alternative if you cannot afford
abatement, but it is very important to remember that the results are only
temporary. Nevertheless, if maintained properly, interim controls can
protect you and your family for a long time. (See Chapter 7 and
Appendix D for more information on performing an abatement to
permanently contain or remove lead hazards.)
A list of interim controls follows. They can be used separately
or together:
>• Removing lead dust.
> Repainting lead-based painted surfaces.
> Repairing friction and impact: surfaces.
> Preventing access to soil hazards.
Interim controls provide a
useful alternative for
homes that cannot be
abated right away.
ADVANTAGES of
Interim Controls
•••/ Less expensive than
abatement.
y' Can be implemented
immediately.
DISADVANTAGES of
Interim Controls
'":' Lead-based paint remains
in housing.
X Continuing expense, if done
regularly.
, Requires ongoing monitoring
of paint condition and dust
levels.
-------
INTERIM CONTROLS
When Interim Controls Will NOT Work
Interim controls will not work if—
The windows, doors, porches, or interior or exterior walls are
seriously deteriorated or are subject to excessive moisture.
i The windows, doors, porches, or interior or exterior walls are not
sound (which would cause the treatment to fail rapidly).
If any child in the home has an elevated blood-lead level, many
states and localities require you to have the home abated by a
certified contractor. Contact your state lead program contact
(Appendix B) for more details.
Lead dust in your home
can be hazardous to you
and your family and
should be removed.
Although interim controls will not rid your home of lead-based paint
hazards forever, they can help you reduce the risk of exposure if you do
them right and check your work often. To ensure success when you
perform any type of interim control, it is recommended that you—
> Surround your work area with thick, plastic sheeting (mentioned on
page 25) to avoid spreading lead dust to other parts of your home.
Hire a certified contractor to conduct a clearance examination once
you have finished your work. This is not required, but a contractor can
determine if you successfully completed the interim control action.
Check your interim control work once a year. For example, if you
have performed an interim control of lead-based paint and see signs
of peeling or flaking, you may need to redo the work.
Removing Dust
Dust removal is a continuing process. You begin with an initial
treatment and then follow up with re-cleaning as needed. Dust
removal is always a part of lead hazard control measures, whether done
alone or as part of cleanup following other work.
Lead dust can be found on surfaces and in cracks throughout your
home. Windows, worn floors, carpets, and upholstered furnishings seem
to collect most of the lead dust. It is very hard to clean these surfaces
thoroughly, and dust settles on them rapidly after they are cleaned.
34
-------
INTERIM CONTROLS
Major Dust Collectors and Potential Dust Traps
Interior
Window sills
Floors or steps
Cracks and crevices
Carpets and rugs
Mats
Upholstered furnishings
Radiators
Grates and registers
Exterior
Porch swings
Window troughs
Steps
Exposed soil
Sandboxes
Window coverings
Heating, ventilation,
or air conditioners
Removing Lead Dust Inside Your Home
It is very hard to remove lead dust without specialized equipment. You
will need to use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter combined with
wet cleaning methods.
1. Vacuum the surface with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum
cleaner. This special type of vacuum will trap lead particles and
prevent them from being released back into the air. A household
vacuum will not do this. Remember—when you finish
vacuuming— carefully empty the dust collected in the vacuum
cleaner, being sure to dampen it with water first to control the
spread of collected dust.
2. Wet clean exposed areas with a solution of water and an all-
purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead. Use one
bucket for the cleaning solution and one bucket for rinsing.
Change the rinse water frequently (at least once for each
room being cleaned) and replace rags, sponges, and mops
often. Clean the surface until no dust is visible. After
cleaning, rinse the surface with clean water and a new
sponge or cloth.
At the same time that you undertake a cleaning project, have all the
drapes and curtains professionally cleaned, and replace the filters in
heating and air-conditioning units. Have your rugs and carpets
-------
INTERIM CONTROLS
Because removing lead
dust from older carpets
is difficult, it may be best
to remove the carpets
altogether.
professionally cleaned. If you cannot have them cleaned professionally
at this time, clean your carpets in the following manner:
For rugs and carpets that can be folded over:
> HEPA vacuum the carpet.
>• Fold the carpet over in half and HEPA vacuum the bottom side of
the carpet.
>• Vacuum the top side of the carpet again.
> If there is foam padding under the carpet, clean both sides of the
padding.
>• Vacuum the floor under the carpet.
For carpets that cannot be folded over (such as wall-to-wall
carpeting):
>• Vacuum the carpet in a side-to-side direction.
>• Vacuum the carpet in a side-to-side direction, opposite the
first direction.
> Steam clean the carpet using a solution containing detergent
specifically made to reduce static between the carpet and lead dust.
For upholstered furnishings:
>• HEPA vacuum each surface three to five times.
Removing Lead Dust From the Exterior of Your Home
Lead in exterior dust can be dangerous because it can be tracked inside
your home. You need to remove as much dust and dirt as possible from
all paved surfaces on your property (such as sidewalks, patios,
driveways, and parking areas). Removing all lead dust outside your
home may not be possible, but by following some simple steps you can
reduce your family's exposure to exterior lead dust.
Remember—These measures need to be repeated often to
maintain safe lead dust levels outside your home:
>> Remove all large items, such as outdoor furniture, from the
areas you are going to clean. Dampen the areas with water to
control the spread of lead dust.
>• Vacuum all hard surfaces with a HEPA filter-equipped
vacuum cleaner. Clean all surfaces continuously until
no visible dirt or dust is present.
>• Carefully empty the dust collected in the vacuum
cleaner, being sure to dampen it with water first to
control the spread of the collected dust.
36
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INTERIM CONTROLS
Repaint ing Lead-Painted Surfaces
Repainting is often used on painted surfaces that have begun to
deteriorate clue to problems such as structural defects or water damage.
It is a good choice for walls and ceilings because they are not constantly
bumped or rubbed. Repainting a surface with a lead-free paint will
help to lessen lead hazards by reducing the amount of lead dust and
paint chips.
It is very important that you check the surface regularly and maintain it.
If properly maintained, you can expect your repainting effort to last
from 4 to 10 years.
Recommendations for Repainting a Lead-Painted Surface
If you plan to repaint a lead-painted surface, take the following steps:
> Make sure that what is causing the paint to deteriorate is fixed or
eliminated. This can include repairing water leaks, defective plaster,
and damaged structural parts.
> Use a high-quality paint recommended by a manufacturer for the
type of surface you are painting.
> Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions tor applying paint.
Repairing Friction and Impact Surfaces
Friction surfaces are surfaces that are subject to abrasion, that is,
rubbing or friction actions that cause wear on a surface. Common
examples of friction surfaces are the parts of a window that rub when
opened and closed, tight-fitting doors, cabinet doors and drawers, stairs
and hand railings, and floors. When covered with lead-based paint,
friction surfaces subject to abrasion can disturb lead-based paint.
Friction surfaces may be treated by fixing the areas that rub together.
For example, if you replace a tight-fitting door with a loose-fitting one,
you will reduce the chances that the door will create lead dust.
Impact surfaces are surfaces that stick out and tend to be bumped
or banged. The most common impact surfaces are doors and doorjambs
door trim, doorstops, outside corners of walls, baseboards, shoe
moldings, chair rails, and stair risers. Repeated impacts can cause
small chips of paint to fall to the floor and contaminate dust. You
can reduce impact surface problems by placing barriers in front
of the surfaces. For example, put a new chair rail on a lead-
painted wall. This will lessen the damage done to the wall when a
chair bumps against the rail.
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INTERIM CONTROLS
\$&&
"'$%$ $j?'-~~ 1 ^
^/W..m
How to Repair a Friction or Impact Surface
The following actions will help to reduce lead hazards from lead-painted
friction and impact surfaces in your home. Remember—when
performing any type of interim control—always cover work areas with
thick, plastic sheeting and spray components with water to reduce dust.
> If you are repairing a window, remove the window. Wet scrape
the deteriorated paint. If the window trough is badly weathered,
cover with back-caulked, aluminum coil stock. Reinstall the window.
>• If you are repairing a door, remove the doorstop and dispose of
it properly. (See Chapter 8.) Install a new stop leaving 1/8" space
between the stop (top and hinge side) and the face of the door. The
face of the door should only contact the stop on the latch side of the
door.
>• If you are repairing stairs, install a hard, cleanable covering, such
as rubber tread guards. You can install carpeting on the stairs
...instead, but fasten it securely so that it does not cause abrasion.
Repaint any railings that may have deteriorated lead-based paint.
(For more information on repainting, see page 37.)
Other ways to repair friction and impact surfaces include—
> Removing and replacing shoe moldings around baseboards.
> Installing new plastic or wood corner beads to abraded outside
corners.
> Removing and replacing cabinet doors, or having the paint stripped
off at a professional paint stripping plant. Strip paint from drawers
and drawer guides or plane impact points and repaint. Or, install
SHOE HOLDING rubber or felt bumpers at points of friction or impact.
> Repainting porches, decks, and interior floors.
Preventing Access to Soil Hazards
Whether the source is lead-based paint or leaded gasoline, soil that is
contaminated by lead can be dangerous if children play in it or if it is
tracked into your home by people and pets. If you think that your soil
may be contaminated, have a risk assessor test it. A test will determine
what action, if any, needs to be taken.
Never plant vegetable gardens in lead-contaminated soil. You can get
lead poisoned from eating carrots and leafy vegetables grown in
leaded soil.
-------
INTERIM CONTROLS
results In parts
i (ppm) are ...
Less than 400 ppm
400-5,000 ppm
Nothing
• Cover bare soil by planting grass, piling mulch or sand on top of it, or landscaping
with sod and bushes. To keep children from playing in soil near your home (which
may have higher concentrations of lead), plant bushes close to the house. In areas
near children's playgrounds, cover soil with mulch and gravel piled at least 6 inches.
• Move play areas away from contaminated soil.
• Put doormats outside and inside all entryways. Remove your shoes before entering.
Higher than 5,000 ppm Abatement (see Chapter 7 and Appendix D).
39
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Abatement
An abatement will permanently control or get rid of lead hazards
in your home.
Never perform an abatement yourself. An abatement must be done
by a trained and licensed professional.
If an abatement is done incorrectly, the chances of lead poisoning
can increase.
Lead Abatement: What It Is,
Who Should Do It
You can reduce the risk of lead exposure in your home by having a
contractor perform an abatement. An abatement is a way to
permanently contain or remove lead hazards. Merely painting or
papering over lead-painted surfaces is not abatement.
The four abatement methods for structural components are—
>• Replacement Removing a part of a building that contains
lead-based paint and replacing it with a new, lead-free part.
>• Enclosure. Building a new wall, ceiling, or floor over an
existing one.
>• Encapsulation,, Using a special type of coating to cover a
lead-painted surface.
> Paint removal. Stripping the lead-based paint off an object.
EPA requires that you use a certified abatement contractor If the
abatement and the cleanup following it are not done right, the chance
of lead poisoning will increase. A contractor trained in lead-based paint
hazards and abatement will know how to safeguard your family before,
during, and after an abatement.
-------
ABATEMENT
When hiring an abatement contractor, use the following checklist to
find someone who can do the job safely and correctly.
'ing and Selecting an Abatement Contractor
Begin by getting a list of lead contractors. Call the National
Lead Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD. Your state lead contact
(listed in Appendix B) can also provide a list of contractors who perform
lead activities in your area.
Check your contractor's credentials. Always ask to see a
contractor's lead-based paint license or certificate. Federal law requires
lead contractors to be certified.
Check your contractor's references. Call at least three of your
contractor's previous clients. Make sure your contractor safely and
properly completed the work requested.
Once you have hired a contractor, you should understand what your
contractor is going to do. Start by—
> Reading the abatement instructions provided in Appendix D of this
guidebook.
> Having your contractor explain how the project will be carried out.
* Talking to your contractor about what precautions will be taken to
prevent you and your family from being exposed to lead.
Depending on the type of lead hazard, your contractor will choose
either replacement, enclosure, encapsulation, paint removal, or a
combination of these. Read on for more information.
Lead-based painted
windows are often the
highest source of lead dust
in a home.
Replacement
"Replacement" is the removal of a building part that contains lead-
based paint and the replacement of that part with a new, lead-free one.
Replacement is a good choice for windows, doors, and woodwork.
Replacement of walls, ceilings, and floors is very expensive, and the
process stirs up a lot of dust. Enclosure or encapsulation might be a
better choice.
42
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ABATEMENT
Advantages of Replacement
»/ Removes lead-based paint permanently.
• Safest permanent intervention.
• Upgrades your home.
• Can lower heat and maintenance costs.
Disadvantages of Replacement—
X Expensive.
X Areas next to replaced part may be damaged.
X Replacement part may not be as good as the original.
Enclosure
Enclosure is the process of covering lead-painted surfaces with paneling,
wallboarcl, or other materials. The materials are fastened with screws and
sealed with caulking to prevent exposure to the lead-painted surfaces.
Enclosure is useful for surfaces that are cracked or chipped.
Encapsulation may be a better choice for surfaces in good condition.
Enclosure is most appropriate for walls, ceilings, and floors.
Advantages of Enclosure—
• Cost-effective.
• Durable.
• Generates little contamination.
Disadvantages of Enclosure—
X May not be a permanent solution.
X Must be checked every 3 to 6 months to make sure it stays intact.
Encapsulation
Like enclosure, encapsulation provides a barrier that prevents lead dust
from spreading. With encapsulation, however, the barrier is a special type
of coating—called an encapsulant—applied to a lead-painted surface.
Once dry, it forms a stiff barrier, which can then be painted. This method
of abatement is a good choice for wall surfaces in good condition, for
surfaces that are not rubbed often, and for curved surfaces.
Even though enclosure and
encapsulation do not
remove the lead-based
paint, they are considered
a form of abatement. If
done right, these methods
can effectively reduce the
lead hazards in your home.
43
-------
ABATEMENT
Advantages of Encapsulation—
• Generates little contamination.
• Inexpensive.
Disadvantages of Encapsulation—
X Use of some encapsulant products will create hazardous waste.
X Cannot be used in high-friction areas.
X May not be a permanent solution.
X Must be checked every 3 to 6 months to make sure it stays intact.
Paint Removal
Paint removal is the stripping of lead-based paint from an object. This
process creates a large amount of lead and waste, so choose paint
removal only if no other abatement strategy will work, or if an object
has historical value.
It is possible to have paint removed on-site (in your home) or off-site (at a
paint stripping plant). You can reduce the risk of lead exposure during
abatement by choosing off-site paint removal, and allowing items to be
taken from your home to a professional stripping plant.
Advantages of Off-Site Paint Removal—
• Keeps hazardous chemical strippers out of your home.
• Preserves the detail on decorative doors, molding, and trims.
i/ Useful on antique items that cannot be replaced.
Disadvantages of Off-Site Paint Removal—
X The liquid waste you generate when you rinse and clean
the stripped items may be hazardous.
X Chemical stripping never removes all of the lead.
X Leftover stripper will cause the new paint coat to fail.
X Removing a building component for off-site stripping creates dust.
Exterior Paint Removal
Lead-based paint found on the outside of your house can be hazardous
too. It may need to be removed or enclosed so that it does not get into
the dirt surrounding your house.
44
-------
ABATEMENT
To get rid of the lead-based paint on the exterior of your house,
your contractor might use vacuum blasting, water blasting, or exterior
enclosure.
Advantages of Vacuum or Water Blasting—
• ' Can be used on the exterior of your home.
Disadvantages of Vacuum or Water Blasting—
Can damage the treated surface, especially wood.
X Creates a lot of waste and can spread paint chips around
nearby areas.
X Very expensive.
For more information on vacuum blasting, water blasting, and exterior
enclosure, see Appendix D.
Soil Abatement
Sometimes, soil needs to be abated. If it has a high lead level (usually
above 5,000 parts per million), it should be abated.
One way to do this is to hire a contractor to remove or replace the
contaminated soil. Another option is to have a contractor create a
permanent barrier between the soil and your family. This can be done
by paving over or putting permanent bricks on top of the soil. If you
have the old soil removed, ask your state lead contact (Appendix B) for
assistance in determining how it should be disposed.
Help From a Risk Assessor
or a Contractor
In some households, interim controls work well. Others require
abatement. For still others, the best approach is to combine interim
controls with abatement. Deciding on the safest, most efficient, and
most cost-effective approach in your case is difficult, so consider
consulting a certified risk assessor. Risk assessors are trained to
identify strategies for reducing the hazards of lead-based paint.
45
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Cleaning Up
Lead Waste
Cleanup is the most important step in controlling or getting rid
of lead hazards.
If the cleanup is done incorrectly, your home may be more
hazardous than it was before the work began.
Dust contaminated with lead by home projects—from remodeling to
interim controls and abatement—can be hazardous to you and your
family. In fact, if this dust is not properly removed—both during and
after projects—your home could be more hazardous than it was before
work began.
Cleanup is the most important step in your project. Here are some
tips for daily cleanup, personal cleanup, and final cleanup after the job
is clone.
Pay special attention to
cleanup activities that
prevent the spread of lead
dust to other areas of your
home or exposing your
family to lead.
Daily Cleanup
Daily cleanup is important whenever you or your contractor work with
lead. Daily cleaning prevents the spread of lead dust and makes cleanup
at the end of the project much easier.
At the end of every project day, do the following:
*• Wrap up and label any debris or trash.
Mop floors and wash exposed surfaces and tools with a solution of
water and an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for
lead. Allow to dry.
> Strain out paint chips from liquid waste and dispose of them in a
heavy-duty plastic bag.
- Vacuum all exposed surfaces and any plastic sheeting with a HEPA
filter-equipped vacuum cleaner.
Cleanup is the most
important step.
47
-------
CLEANING UP LEAD WASTE
>• Mist outside areas using a garden hose before sweeping these areas
with a broom. Avoid dry sweeping since it spreads lead dust.
Shovel, rake, or HEPA vacuum debris into heavy-duty plastic bags
placed in cardboard boxes for support.
> Clean your vacuum and tools with a solution of water and an all-
purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
> Seal off the entryways with the thick, plastic sheeting if you have to
leave a work site unattended.
Personal Cleanup
It is very important that whoever has been doing the work follow these
steps to prevent lead dust from spreading to other areas of your home:
>> Wash your hands and face whenever you leave your work area.
> Change your clothes and shoes before leaving the work area. After
removing your clothes, wash them separately from other family
laundry.
> Shower and wash your hair right after finishing work to prevent
spreading lead dust.
Keep in mind that anyone observing lead hazard control work or
entering a room in which work is being done needs to take safety
precautions as well. They should always remove their shoes before
leaving the work area and wash their hands after leaving the work area.
Final Cleanup
Final cleanup, which takes place at the end of a project, must be
performed slowly and carefully. It should occur no sooner than
1 hour after the project ends. Time is needed to let lead dust settle.
Here are the steps of the final cleanup process:
> Collect waste and debris and seal in plastic bags.
> Carefully remove any plastic sheeting by rolling or folding inward.
> Wash all surfaces with a solution of water and an all-purpose cleaner
or a cleaner made specifically for lead. Allow to dry.
> Vacuum all exposed surfaces with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum.
After the above tasks have been performed, you should not see
any dust.
48
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CLEANING UP LEAD WASTE
Clearance Examination
After any type of lead work has been performed in your home, it is
strongly recommended that you hire a professional to perform a
clearance examination. This is especially important after an abatement
procedure. Because an abatement is likely to disturb lead-painted
surfaces, you need to be certain that you and your family will not be
exposed to lead hazards.
A clearance examination includes a visual examination and an analysis
of dust samples to ensure that lead levels are not a danger to you and
your family and that cleanup was clone properly. The clearance
examination should take place no sooner than 1 hour after any cleaning
activity to allow lead particles to settle.
For a list of qualified professionals in your area who perform testing
services, call your state lead contact (Appendix B) or the National Lead
Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD. You can also get testing and
laboratory information by calling that same number—(800) 424-LEAD.
The purpose of the
clearance examination is
to make sure that dust
levels are low so you and
your family will not be
exposed to lead hazards.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Working with lead produces many types of waste materials—including
lead-based paint chips, liquid waste, used cleaning materials, and lead-
painted doors and windows. Do not keep waste materials—like doors,
windows, and scraps of wood—for other uses, and never burn lead-
painted wood. This creates hazardous lead fumes.
Hazardous waste that is not disposed of properly will harm the
environment. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) and state or local regulations, certain types of waste are
considered hazardous and must be disposed of at a hazardous waste
facility. If you generate lead waste in your own home, however, the
hazardous waste requirements may not apply to you. Call your state lead
contact to see how lead trash should be disposed of in your area.
49
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APPEND IX A
For More
Information
Lead Hazards and Lead Poisoning Prevention
> Call the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at (800) 424-
LEAD to speak with a lead information specialist. If you are hearing
impaired, call the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-
8339 and ask for the National Lead Information Center at (800)
424-LEAD. NLIC can provide general lead information. It can also
provide testing and laboratory information.
> Call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 tor
information on lead hazards in your drinking water.
> Contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission Hotline at
(800) 638-2772 or at www.cpsc.gov for information on lead in
consumer products. If you are hearing impaired, call TDD (800)
638-8270.
> Call the National Conference of State Legislatures at
(303) 830-2200 for a list of local health department contacts for
lead poisoning services.
> Visit the EPA lead home page at www.epa.gov/lead to get
information on lead regulations and to learn about other EPA and
Federal agency efforts to reduce lead exposure.
Blood-Lead Testing
> Call your health care provider or local health department. They
can either provide blood-lead testing or refer you to someone
who can.
Certified Lead Contractors
> Call your state lead contact (see Appendix B) or NLIC at (800)
424-LEAD for a list of contractors who perform lead activities in
your area.
> Call the National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-LEAD if
you have a tip or complaint about a lead service provider who may
have clone work incorrectly.
-------
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Financial Assistance for Lead Activities
> Call your state lead contact (see Appendix B) to get information on
financial assistance programs in your area. Some state and local
agencies can arrange for needed services at no cost to you, and
some offer financial help. For example, many agencies—
• Conduct free blood-lead screenings or direct you to a source of
free testing.
• Help pay for a lead inspection and, if necessary, the removal of
lead-based paint by a trained professional.
• Provide temporary housing, called "Safe Houses," for families
undergoing lead removal.
; Call the HUD Office of Affordable Housing Programs at
(202) 708-2470 for information on the HUD HOME Program. One
of the activities provided for under this program is financial help for
major home repairs to low-income people who have lead-based
paint in their homes.
-------
APPENDIX B
State Lead Program
Contacts
Need more information about lead hazards and the prevention of lead
poisoning in your state? Call your state lead contact.
Alabama
Bureau of Environmental Services
Department of Public Health
201 Monroe Street, Suite 1250
RO. Box 303017
Montgomery, AL 36130-3017
(334) 206-5373
Alaska
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Health
Section of Epidemiology
3601 C Street, Suite 540
RO. Box 240249
Anchorage, AK 99524-0249
(907) 269-8044
Office of Environmental Health
Arizona Department of Health Services
3815 N. Black Canyon Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85015
(602) 230-5943
Arkansas
Department of Health
Environmental Health and Protection
4815 West Markharn Street, Slot 46
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
(501) 661-2171
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Branch
California Department of Health Services
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1801
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-5000
Colorado
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
DCEED-LEAD-A3
4300 Cherry Creek Drive, South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
(303) 692-2685
Connecticut
Division of Environmental Health
Department of Public Health
450 Capitol Avenue, P.O. Box 340308
Mail Stop 51 LED
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
(860) 509-7293
Delaware
DHSS
Division of Public Health
Jesse S. Cooper Building
P.O. Box 637
Dover, DE 19903
(302) 739-4731
District of Columbia
Department of Health
Environmental Health Administration
800 9"' Street, S.W., 3"1 Floor
Washington, DC 20024
(202) 645-5530
Florida
Department of Health
Bureau of Environmental Toxicology
1317 Winewoocl Boulevard
Tallahassee, EL 32399-0700
(904) 488-3385
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STATE LEAD PROGRAM CONTACTS
Georgia
Georgia Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program
Department of Human Resources
2 Peachtree Streel, NW, 5"' Floor Annex
Atlanta, GA 30303-3186
(404) 657-6514
Hawaii
Department of Health
Environmental Health
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801
(808) 586-5800
Idaho
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Bureau of Environmental Health and Safety
Towers Building, 4lh Floor
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
(208) 334-6584
Illinois
Division of Environmental Health
Asbestos and Lead Programs
Department of Public Health
525 W. Jefferson
Springfield, IL 62761
(217) 782-3517
Indiana
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Maternal and Child Health Services
Stale Department of Health
2 North Meridian
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-1232
Iowa
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Department of Public Health
Lucas Stale Office Building
321 E. 12"1 Street.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
(515) 242-6340
Kansas
Bureau of Environmental Health
Mills Building
Suite 604
109 SW9lh Street
Topeka, KS 66612-1274
(785) 296-0189
Kentucky
Division of Environmental Health and
Community Safety
275 E. Main Street-
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-4856
Louisiana
Asbestos and Lead Program
Department of Environmental Qualify
Office of Air Quality Division
5222 Sum ma Court
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(504) 765-2547
Maine
Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program
Division of Community and Family Health
151 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 287-4311
Environmental Lead Division
Waste Management Administration
Department of the Environment
2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 631-3859
Massachusetts
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Department of Public Health
470 Atlantic Avenue, 2n(l Floor
Boston, MA 02210-2224
(617) 753-8401
(888) NOLEADO or (888) 665-3230
Department of Community Health
Public Health Agency
3423 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
RO. Box 30195
Lansing, Ml 48909
(517) 335-8011
Minnesota
Director of Environmental Health
Minnesota Department of Health
121 East 7lh Place
RO. Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975
(612) 215-0731
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STATE LEAD PROGRAM CONTACTS
Mississippi
Department, of Environmental Quality
RO. Box 10385
Jackson, MS 39289-0385
(601) 961-5171
Missouri
Office of Lead Licensing and Accreditation
Program
Missouri Department of Health
RO. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
(573) 526-5873
(888) 837-0927 (in Missouri)
Montana
Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Planning, Prevention and
Assistance
1520 East 6lh Avenue
RO. Box 200901, Metcalf Building
Helena, MT 59620-0901
(406) 444-6697
Nebraska
Department of Health and Human Services
Regulation and Licensure
RO. Box 95007
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-0782
(888) 242-1100 (in Nebraska)
Nevada
Nevada Division of Health
505 E. King Street, Room 201
Carson City, NV 89701
(702) 687-5845
New Hampshire
Bureau of Health Risk Assessment
Department of Health and Human Services
6 Hazen Drive
Health and Welfare Building
Concord, NH 03301-6527
(603) 271-4507
New Jersey
Lead and Asbestos Program
New jersey Department of Health and
Senior Services
CN 360
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-2193
New Mexico
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Department of Health
Runnels Builcling-St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 827-0006
New York
Bureau of Community Sanitation and Food
Protection
New York Stale Department of Health
1215 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
(800) 458-1158
North Carolina
Division of Environmental Health
Department of Environment &
Natural Resources
2728 Capital Boulevard
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 733-2870
North Dakota
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue
RO. Box 5520
Bismarck, ND 58506
(701) 328-5188
Ohio
Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43266-0588
(614) 466-1450
Oklahoma
Department of Environmental Quality
4545 N. Lincoln, Suite 250
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 290-8247
Oregon
Environmental Services and Consultation
Oregon Health Division
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 608
Portland, OR 97232
(50.3) 731-4012 x721
Pennsylvania
Childhood Lead Poisoning
Program
Department of Health
7th & Forster Streets
RO. Box 90
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-8451
Prevention
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STATE LEAD PROGRAM CONTACTS
Puerto Rico
Emergency Response and Superfund
Environmental Quality Board
P.O. Box 11488
Sanlurce, PR 00910
(809) 766-2823
Rhode Island
Department of Environmental Management
Office of Director
235 Promenade Slreet
Providence, Rl 02908
(401) 222-2771 x2402
South Carolina
Department of Health & Environmental
Control
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 935-7945
South Dakota
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources
Waste Management Program
Joe Foss Building
523 E. Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3153
Tennessee
Department of Environment and
Conservation
Life and Casually Tower
401 Church Street, 21s1 Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0435
(615) 532-0104
Texas
Texas Department of Health
Environmental Lead Program
1100 W. 49"' Street
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 834-6600
Utah
Lead-Based Paint Program Development
Department of Environmental Quality
150 N. 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116-4820
(801) 536-4451
Vermont
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Program
Vermont Department of Health
108 Cherry Street
P.O. Box 70
Burlington, VT 05402
(802) 865-7786
Virginia
Lead-Safe Virginia Program
Virginia Department of Health
1500 E. Main Street
P.O. Box 2448
Richmond, VA 23218-2448
(804) 225-4455
Virgin Islands
Division of Environmental Protection
Department of Planning and Natural
Resources
396-1 Annas Retreat
Foster Plaza
St. Thomas, VI 00802
(809) 777-4577
Washington
Washington State Department of Health
Office of Toxic Substances
Airclustrial Center Building 4
RO. Box 47825
Olympia, WA 98504-7825
(360) 236-3381
West Virginia
Environmental Health Services
815 Quarrier Street, Room 418
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-2981
Wisconsin
Bureau of Public Health
1414 E. Washington Avenue
Madison, Wl 53703
(608) 266-5817
Wyoming
Preventive Medicine Division, Department
of Health
Hathaway Building, 4lh Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-6951
: '
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APPENDIX C
EPA Regional Lead
Contacts
The Environmental Protection Agency has 10 regional offices across the
United States. For more information on lead regulations or lead
poisoning prevention programs, contact the regional office that serves
your state or territory.
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
Vermont
REGION 2
New Jersey, New York,
Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 1
Suite 1100 (CPT)
1 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02114-2 02 3
(888)372-7341
Contact:
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 2
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Building 209, Mail Stop 225
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
(732)321-6671
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, Washington, D.C.,
West Virginia
REGION 4
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Tennessee
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 3 (3WC33)
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215)814-5000
Contact:
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 4
61 Forsyth Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404)562-8998
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EPA REGIONAL LEAD CONTACTS
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
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Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, Texas
REGION 7
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
REGION 8
Colorado, Montana, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 5 (DT-8J)
77 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60604-3666
(312)886-6003
Contact:
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue, 12th Floor
Dallas, TX 75202-2 73 3
(214)665-7577
Contact:
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 7
(ARTD-RALI)
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS66101
(913)551-7020
Contact:
REGION 9
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 8
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303)312-6021
Contact:
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada
REGION 10
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 9
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 744-1124
Contact:
Regional Lead Contact
U.S. EPA Region 10
Toxics Section WCM-128
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101-1128
(206)553-1985
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APPENDIX D
Abatement Guidelines
for Your Contractor
Once you have hired an abatement contractor, you should know how
the abatement project will be carried out. The information in this
appendix will help. It lists general guidelines for performing the four
types of structural abatement, including—
> Replacement
v Encapsulation
> Enclosure
> Paint Removal
Keep in mind these are not step-by-step instructions. The guidelines
are meant to help you make sure that your contractor is working safely
and properly.
Where It'Is Besl Used
Windows, doors, and moldings
Any other easily removed component
Walls, ceilings, and trim
Curved surfaces
Floors, pipes, ceilings, exterior trim, etc.
• Loose paint
• Should not be used around electrical outlets
• Restoration of historic pieces
• Doors, mantels, metal railings, and trim
• Metal substrates
• To clean residue left by other methods
^M^^B--
• Flat surfaces
• To soften thick layers of paint
(Should not be operated above 1100° F)
Replacement
Encapsulation
Enclosure
Taint Removal
Wet Scraping
Off-Site Chemical
Stripping
Solvents
Heat Gun
Q. What should 1 do to
prepare for an abatement?
A. Everyone in your home,
especially children and
pregnant women, must stay
out of the house until the
work is done and the
cleanup, including dust
sample analysis, is
complete. In some cases,
after the work area is
contained, you may be able
to enter your home if you
stay out of the work area.
(See Chapter 4 for more
information on how to safely
contain a work area and
prevent lead dust from
spreading.)
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ABATEMENT GUIDELINES FOR YOUR CONTRACTOR
Whenever possible,
windows should be
removed from the
outside of your home to
prevent the spread of lead
dust inside.
Replacement
Replacing Doors, Windows, and Woodwork
Opening and closing doors or windows stirs up lead dust. Bumping or
banging woodwork does too. You may need to replace some of them to
prevent lead dust from spreading to other areas of your home.
Make sure your contractor—
> Covers the area around the part being replaced and any nearby
surfaces with 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting. When the part
being removed is a window, make sure the contractor attaches this
plastic sheeting to the wall below the window and extends it at least
6,feet on each side of the window to contain lead dust and debris.
> Mists the component with water before removing it.
*• Vacuums the part to be removed with a HEPA filter-equipped
vacuum to prevent lead dust from spreading.
After removal, wraps the part in plastic sheeting.
Before installing the new part, disposes of the old part
cleans the work area according to the directions in
Chapter 8.
Encapsulation
Depending on the task to be performed, your contractor can choose
from among many encapsulation products and should consider where
the encapsulant will be applied. Encapsulant makers provide directions
on preparing surfaces and on monitoring, maintaining, and cleaning
encapsulated surfaces. If properly applied and maintained, an
encapsulant should last for 20 years.
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ABATEMENT GUIDELINES FOR YOUR CONTRACTOR
Enclosure
Preparing the Area
Make sure your contractor—
> Eliminates all moisture sources and allows the surface to dry.
> Lays thick, plastic sheeting (mentioned on pages 25 and 60) around
the work area to prevent lead dust from spreading to other parts of
the room, or to other rooms in your home.
Enclosing a Wall
Make sure your contractor—
> Writes the words "Lead-Based Paint" on the wall to be
enclosed.
> If the wall surface is irregular or when installing paneling, the
contractor may need to—
• Nail strips of wood 12 inches apart down the wall being
enclosed.
• Nail one horizontal strip of wood along the base of the
wall, and seal it with caulk along the bottom edge to
create a dust-tight seal.
Measures and caulks the new wallboard or paneling,
and attaches it to the original wall.
> Measures and caulks the baseboard, and attaches it
to the bottom of the wallboard.
Measures and caulks the shoe molding, and attaches
it to the bottom of the baseboard.
Caulk
> Cleans the work area according to the instructions in Chapter 8.
Paints or papers the new wall.
Exterior walls can be enclosed in much the same way.
Enclosing a Ceiling
Make sure your contractor—
> Writes the words "Lead-Based Paint" on the ceiling to be enclosed.
Using a stud finder, finds the ceiling studs.
Measures the wallboard carefully.
: Caulks and screws the wallboard directly into the ceiling studs.
Cleans the work area according to the instructions in Chapter 8.
> Paints the new ceiling.
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ABATEMENT GUIDELINES FOR YOUR CONTRACTOR
Paint Removal
There are many ways to remove paint, and some of them should never
be used on lead-based paint. They include—
>• Torch or flame burning.
> Open abrasive blasting.
v Uncontained water blasting.
>- Machine sanding without a HEPA filter.
> On-site use of chemical strippers that contain methylene chloride.
> Dry scraping or dry sanding large areas.
Off-Site Paint Removal
Off-site paint removal works best for doors, mantels, and other trim that
may have architectural or historical value. The items are dipped into a
tank of chemical stripping agents, and the paint dissolves off the surface.
Be sure to wash the items before reinstalling them. You may also need
to refinish or re-glue the pieces.
On-Site Paint Removal
If you must have paint removed in your home, your contractor can
apply one or more of these methods:
> Wet scraping. Wet scraping is a way to prepare a surface for
repainting by removing loose paint. The surface must be misted
before being scraped to keep lead dust levels clown. It also must be
misted constantly while it is being scraped.
>• Wet planing. Similar to wet scraping, the surface must be
misted with water before being planed and while it is being
planed.
> Electric heat guns. Electric heat guns force
warmed air onto a painted surface. The heat softens the
paint, which is then scraped off with hand tools. Heat
guns should not be warmed above 1100° F. If
heated above this temperature, lead-based
paint can give off toxic fumes.
Local exhaust hand tools. These handheld
power tools are attached to a HEPA vacuum by a
hose. The vacuum contains a HEPA filter to prevent
the spread of lead dust.
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ABATEMENT GUIDELINES FOR YOUR CONTRACTOR
> Chemical stripping. Chemical stripping is the use of solvents or
caustic pastes to dissolve and strip off paint. Chemical strippers are
dangerous and may give off harmful vapors, which can catch on fire.
Some states prohibit the use of methylene chloride, which is
often used in chemical strippers. Your contractor should know
whether chemical stripping is an option in your state. If not,
check with your state lead contact (Appendix B).
Vacuum Blasting, Water Blasting, and Enclosure
for Exterior Paint
Although vacuum blasting or water blasting should never be done inside
your home because of the waste they create, your contractor may remove
paint from the exterior of your home using these methods. To avoid
contaminating areas around your home and your neighbors' homes, make
sure your contractor controls the spread of any waste or debris.
When removing exterior paint, make sure your contractor—
> Protects the soil, bushes, plants, and the area around your home by
taping thick, plastic sheeting to the base of the structure. The plastic
sheeting should extend at least 5 feet from the base of your house
and an additional 3 feet for each additional story.
Places 2" x 4" boards under the edge of the plastic sheeting to create
a curb. The curb should direct the waste water into a low spot,
where it can be pumped into a 55-gallon drum.
> Cleans and smooths the surface.
Enclosing outside surfaces with a dust-tight material or aluminum siding
is often the best method to use. This will protect the lead-based paint
from the elements and will increase the energy efficiency of your
home. It also creates less waste than other abatement methods.
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Glossary
Abatement A procedure that eliminates lead-based paint hazards or
lead-based paint. The four types of abatement methods are removal,
enclosure, encapsulation, and replacement.
Abrasion Rubbing or friction that causes wear on a surface.
Accredited training provider A training provider approved by EPA or
an EPA authorized state or tribe to train individuals to be risk
assessors, inspectors, supervisors, project designers, and workers.
All-purpose cleaner A general-purpose cleaning product.
Bare soil Soil not covered with grass, sod, other vegetation, or
pavement. This also includes the sand in sandboxes.
Blood-lead level A measurement of how much lead is in the blood.
Certified The designation for contractors who have completed training
and other requirements to allow them to carry out risk assessments,
inspections, or abatements safely. Risk assessors, inspectors, and
abatement contractors must be certified by the appropriate local,
tribal, state, or Federal agency.
Characteristics (of hazardous waste) EPA has identified four
characteristics of hazardous waste: how easily the waste ignites, how
corrosive it is, how it reacts with other substances, and how toxic it is
to people and the environment. Any solid waste that has at least one
of these characteristics may be classified as hazardous under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), depending on
how the waste is produced and how much is generated.
Chemical stripping A paint removal method that uses chemicals to
strip off paint.
Chelation A medical drug treatment for lead poisoning.
Cleaner made specifically for lead Cleaning product made
specifically for cleaning and removing lead-contaminated dust. Can
be found in some paint and hardware stores.
Cleaning The process of using a HEPA vacuum and wet cleaning
agents to remove lead dust. See also HEPA. filter and wet cleaning.
Clearance examination An inspection performed after abatement
:
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GLOSSARY
work is completed in housing that contains lead hazards. Also
recommended after interim controls and renovation and remodeling
activities. Dust levels are checked to be sure that they meet
standards.
Clearance examiner An individual who performs a clearance
examination, usually a certified risk assessor or inspector. See also
clearance examination.
Contaminate The process by which an area may become infected
through contact or association.
Contractor Any business, public body, or person doing work on a
lead-based paint hazard control project.
Deteriorated lead-based paint Any lead-based paint that is peeling,
chipping, blistering, flaking, worn, chalking, cracking, or otherwise
becoming separated from the surface to which it was applied.
dl Short for deciliter. A deciliter is one tenth of a liter, or a little less
than half a cup of liquid. This measurement is used when measuring
blood in the body.
Disposal (of hazardous waste) Getting rid of hazardous waste in a
way that prevents it from polluting the environment.
Durable Able to exist for a long time without deterioration.
Dust removal A type of interim control that involves initial cleaning
followed by periodic monitoring and recleaning, as needed.
Dust trap A surface, component, or furnishing where dust may
accumulate.
Encapsulation An abatement method in which a lead-painted surface
is coated with a special liquid paint that hardens and prevents lead
dust from being released.
Enclosure An abatement method in which a lead-painted surface is
covered with paneling, wallboard, or other approved material to
prevent lead dust from being released.
Evaluation An assessment that includes a risk assessment, paint
inspection, revaluation, investigation, clearance examination, or
lead hazard screen.
Exterior work area The area outside a housing unit in which lead
hazard control work is performed. It includes areas such as porches or
outdoor stairways.
Friction surface Any interior or exterior surface, such as a window or
a door, subject to abrasion or friction.
0
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GLOSSARY
Gram A metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram. It
is close to the weight of a penny.
Hazardous waste Any waste that is considered dangerous to people
or the environment by state or Federal laws.
Heat gun A device that forces warmed air onto a painted surface and
softens the paint so it can be removed. Heating and burning lead-
based paint makes dangerous fumes and vapors. If a heat gun must be
used, it should not be warmed above 1100° F.
High-Efficiency Participate Air (HEPA) filter A filter that can remove
very small lead particles and prevent them from being redistributed
into the air. HEPA filters are used on respirators and vacuum cleaners
to prevent lead exposure from projects that disturb lead-based paint.
Hydroblasting The process of using high-powered water pressure to
loosen exterior paint so it can be removed.
Impact surface An interior or exterior surface—such as the surface of
a door—subject to damage by repeated impact or contact.
Inspection (of paint) An evaluation to determine if lead-based paint is
present and where it is located.
Inspector An individual who has completed training from an EPA-
approved program and has been licensed or certified by the
appropriate local, tribal, state or Federal agency to perform a lead-
based paint inspection. See also inspection.
Interim controls A set of measures that temporarily reduce lead
hazards. Such measures include specialized cleaning, repairs,
maintenance, painting, and temporary containment.
Interior window sill The portion of the horizontal window ledge that
extends into a room on the inside of a house.
Leach The process in which liquid passes through an object, and
particles from the object dissolve into or mix with the liquid.
Lead A heavy, bluish-white chemical that can be easily shaped.
Lead-based pain! Any paint, varnish, shellac, or other coating that
contains lead equal to or greater than 1.0 milligram per square
centimeter or 0.5 percent lead by weight.
Lead-contaminated dust Surface dust in residential settings that
contains levels of lead that pose a threat of adverse health effects in
pregnant women or young children. The term is defined this way for
the purpose of Lead In Your Home: A Parent's Reference Guide.
However, this is a technical term that will be further defined by the
EPA in the TSCA 403 regulation.
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GLOSSARY
Lead-contaminated soil Bare soil in residential settings that contains
lead at levels that are hazardous to human health. The term is defined
this way for the purpose of Lead In Your Home: A Parent's Reference
Guide. However, this is a technical term that will be further defined by
the EPA in the TSCA 403 regulation.
Lead hazard Dangerous conditions or circumstances that cause lead
exposure at levels that would result in adverse human health effects.
Lead hazards could include deteriorated lead-based paint,
lead-contaminated dust, and lead-contaminated soil. The term is
defined this way for the purpose of Lead In Your Home: A Parent's
Reference Guide. However, this is a technical term that will be further
defined by the EPA in the TSCA 403 regulation.
Lead hazard control Activities to control and eliminate lead hazards.
They include interim controls and abatement.
Lead hazard screen A type of risk assessment performed only in
housing in good condition using fewer samples but more stringent
evaluation criteria to determine if lead hazards are likely to be
present.
Maintenance Work intended to maintain adequate living conditions in
a housing unit.
Mg Short for milligram. It is equal to one thousandth of a gram.
Mil An English unit often used to measure the thickness of paint film or
plastic sheeting. It is equal to one thousandth of an inch.
Monitoring Surveillance to make sure lead-based paint and lead dust
are kept under control and that activities performed to control lead
hazards continue to be successful.
NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
When you purchase a respirator, make sure the package says it is
certified by NIOSH.
Off-site paint removal The process of removing a component from
housing and stripping the paint from the component at an off-site
paint stripping facility.
On-site paint removal The process of removing paint from
components inside the housing.
Owner The person who holds the title to a housing unit.
Paint removal An abatement strategy to remove lead-based paint from
identified surfaces.
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GLOSSARY
Parts per million (ppm) Measurement used to identify the amount of
lead in paint. It is the weight of lead per 1,000,000 weights of a
sample, including the lead. For example, if a paint sample contains
5,000 micrograms of lead in 1 gram of paint, then the lead
concentration is 5,000 ppm.
Priming To prepare a surface for painting.
Reevaluation An assessment performed by a certified risk assessor to
determine if a previously implemented lead-based paint hazard
control measure is still effective and if the dust and soil levels remain
lower than EPA standards.
Replacement A type of abatement that involves removing housing
components coated with lead-based paint—such as windows, doors,
and trim—and installing new components that are free of lead-based
paint.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) A Federal law that
defines hazardous and nonhazardous waste and regulates hazardous
waste disposal.
Respirator A device worn to cover the mouth and nose. When
working with lead-based paint, use a respirator certified by NIOSH
that will filter out lead dust particles, such as one equipped with a
H EPA filter.
Risk assessment An on-site investigation to determine if lead hazards
are present and how they can be controlled.
Risk assessor An individual who has completed training with an
accredited training program and has been certified by the
appropriate local, tribal, state, or Federal agency to perform a risk
assessment. See also risk assessment.
Sandblasting A process in which sand is blown by air or steam to
remove paint.
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA; A law that limits the amount of
which certain chemicals are allowed in drinking water. Congress
made additions to this act in 1986 and 1988, which made it illegal to
use lead in household plumbing.
Screening The process of testing children to determine if they have
elevated blood-lead levels.
Solder A combination of metals used to join or patch metal parts or
surfaces. Solder sometimes contains lead.
Solid waste Garbage, refuse, sludge or other discarded materials
resulting from domestic, industrial, or commercial operations or from
community activities.
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GLOSSARY
Substrate A surface on which paint, varnish, or other coating has been
applied or may be applied. Examples of substrates include wood,
plaster, metal, and dry wall.
Title X This law directs Federal agencies to develop regulations to
strengthen and redirect national lead poisoning prevention efforts.
Also called the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.
Trained The successful completion of a training course in one of the
following disciplines: inspector, risk assessor, supervisor, project
designer, and abatement worker. For lead hazard control work, the
training course must be accredited by EPA or by an EPA-approved
state or tribal program.
Treatment In residential lead hazard control work, any method
designed to control lead-based paint hazards. This includes interim
controls and abatement.
/ug Short for microgram. A microgram is one millionth of a gram.
pg/dl Short for micrograms per deciliter. The measurement used to
express how much lead is in your blood.
Wet cleaning The process of using a mixture of water and a household
cleaner to remove lead dust.
Wet planing, A process of smoothing off a surface. The surface is wet
misted before being planned to keep dust levels down.
Wet scraping A process used to remove loose or chipping paint. The
paint is wet misted before being scraped to keep dust levels down.
Window trough For a typical double-hung window, the part of the
exterior window sill between the interior window sill and the frame
of the storm window. This is sometimes inaccurately called the
window "well." See also window well.
Window well The space that provides exterior access or light to a
window that is below the level of the surrounding earth or pavement.
Worker An individual who performs lead hazard control work. Workers
must be trained by an EPA-accredited provider and certified by an
appropriate local, tribal, state, or Federal agency to perform
abatement work.
Work area Any interior or exterior area where lead hazard control
work is performed.
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United States
Environmental Protection Agency
(7404)
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
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