YOU COULD BE AT RISK IF you live in a home built before 1950:
– That is being renovated.
– It has recently been renovated.
– You plan to do renovation work in the near future.
– Has chipping/cracking/peeling paint.
EFFECTS OF LEAD ON YOUR HEALTH
Scientists now know that over a long period of time, exposure to even low levels of lead can affect the development of a childÆs nervous system. If you or your family are experiencing recurring flue like symptoms you may wish to consult your doctor and have your home tested for lead contaminants.
HOW DO YOU KNOW ITS THERE?
If you would like to know for sure whether lead is contained in the paint, samples can be tested with a home test kit and sent to a certified laboratory. The test kit will tell you whether lead is present but not how much is there.
ACTION PLAN
If you determine that lead contaminants are present, there are three possible solutions. It is strongly recommended that all work involved in the corrective methods of removing lead paint be performed by a professional contractor.
– Encapsulation: This means covering the old paint so it’s no longer exposed. This can be as simple as applying a layer of lead free paint or you may wish to cover it over with a vinyl wallpaper, drywall or panelling. Encapsulation isn’t a permanent solution. The old paint will still be there and could become a problem again in the future. But itÆs often the easiest, least expensive and safest remedy, especially for areas such as walls and ceilings.
– Replacement: Doors, windows, moldings, baseboards and other trim can be removed and replaced with new lead free ones.
– Removal: Paint removal or stripping is potentially the most hazardous way to deal with lead based paint.
Copyright (2013) CBCG – Reprinted with permission