Lead Is Still Around!!!
Contents of this Article
Reduce or Eliminate Lead-Based Paint Hazards
You have many options for reducing lead hazards in your home. In addition to the day to day steps listed in Lead Poisoning Prevention, 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. Interim controls may solve the problem, at least until the condition of the affected area worsens. If that happens, the hazard needs to be reevaluated.
- 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. DO NOT TRY TO PERFORM AN ABATEMENT IN YOUR HOME YOURSELF. IF NOT PROPERLY PERFORMED, AN ABATEMENT CAN ACTUALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF EXPOSING YOUR FAMILY TO LEAD.
If you think your home has high levels of lead, call the numbers below to help you prevent lead poisoning and eliminate the problem forever.
For More Information
There are state and federal programs in place to ensure that testing for lead is done safely, reliably, and effectively. Contact your state or local agency, or for more information on lead poisoning, or for other information on lead hazards call:
National Lead Information Center to speak with a lead information specialist.
1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline for information on lead hazards in your drinking water.
1-800-426-4791
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Hotline for information on lead in consumer products, or to report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury.
1-800-638-2772
For information on lead regulations, outreach efforts, and lead hazard control and research grant programs contact:
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control
451 Seventh Street, SW, P-3206
Washington, DC 20410
202-755-1785
Hearing Impaired call the Federal Information Relay Service
1-800-877-8339.
The information provided in this summary is based upon scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented and is reflective of the jurisdictional boundaries established by the statutes governing the co-authoring agencies. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that can be caused by lead exposure.
U.S. EPA Washington DC 20460
U.S. CPSC Washington DC 20207
U.S. HUD Washington DC 20410
EPA747-K99-001
June 2003
References:
1) ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) - Department of Health and Human Services - January 2008 - www.atsdr.cdc.gov
2) EPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency - June 2003 - www.epa.gov
3) United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - FDA Consumer - January - February 1998 - www.cfsan.fda.gov
4) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) - National Institutes of Health - Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - Jan 2008 - www.niehs.nih.gov
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory