Know the facts before renovation or demolition
Lead based paint can be found in 24 million homes and buildings in the United States that were built before 1978.
Painted surfaces of your home or workspace could contain lead and you may have no idea. Lead was used in paints for its durability, color and water-resistant washable finish. When deteriorated, the leaded paint releases its lead component and settles within the dirt and dust on floors and other surfaces. It is here where most children come in contact with lead, putting their hands and other lead contaminated items in their mouths. No amount of lead exposure is safe for children.
In addition, did you know that lead based paint is still commonly used in exterior applications, such as lining paint in parking lots?
If your home or workspace was constructed prior to 1978, how do you determine if there is a lead issue present? Are you planning a renovation of an older property and need to know which painted surfaces do or don’t contain lead? Do you have flaking or damaged painted surfaces and need to know ASAP whether that paint is in fact lead based and thus an issue?
Proper testing and management of lead-based paint is the key to reducing or eliminating potential exposure and liability. Any materials not tested prior to renovations can potentially expose building occupants or workers. Once a comprehensive building survey has been conducted, an operations and management plan for working with lead-based paint can be developed. This plan details how and when painted surfaces should be disturbed.