Lead paint is a toxic substance that can still be found in older buildings and housing. Removing lead paint is important for the safety of the people who occupy the building. Whether it is an older residential home or commercial building, the presence of lead paint poses a serious threat. It is incredibly important that all traces of this toxic substance are safely removed by professionals who are experienced in lead paint removal.

Lead Paint is Still Prevalent in Older Buildings

Lead paint was used commonly for centuries before the health hazards were commonly understood. In 1978, the use of lead paint was banned completely in the United States, but it can still be found in buildings constructed before then.

Since most surfaces have been painted over since the late 1970s, the most common areas for lead paint removal to be done are on window frames, door trims, and painted stairways. If a building owner is concerned about the presence of lead paint in their building, they should have the paint tested by experts.

Most of the problems with lead paint in buildings comes when the paint itself is peeling or deteriorating. Paint that is in good condition poses very little risk, but unfortunately most paint that was applied before 1978 is no longer perfectly intact.

Health Concerns

Excessive levels of lead exposure can cause a long list of health issues. It is especially dangerous for babies and children whose bodies absorb lead more readily than adults. It is also a serious concern for pregnant women. Lead paint can also cause issues for adults. Lead paint removal is important in order to reduce the risks of the health problems that come with exposure to lead.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to lead can cause the following health problems:

Lead Exposure in Children

• Unexplained behavioural issues
• Learning difficulties
• Lower IQ
• Hyperactivity
• Slow growth
• Hearing issues
• Anemia

Lead Exposure in Pregnant Women

• Premature birth
• Miscarriage
• Damage to the baby’s brain, nervous system, and kidneys

Lead Exposure in Adults

• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Reproductive issues

Safe Lead Paint Removal

Lead paint removal should only be done by certified professionals. Disturbing the paint causes the toxic fumes to be released into the air which can be very dangerous. Using sanders, scrapers, and heat guns are not recommended. The safest way to remove lead paint is to hire a company that is certified and experienced.

Experienced lead paint removal professionals have the right training and equipment to remove all traces of lead paint from an area thoroughly and efficiently. They use specialized equipment as well as protective gear to ensure their own safety and the safety of those who are living or working in the building.

Working with Professional Lead Paint Removal Companies

The EPA requires some organizations like childcare facilities and pre-schools that are built before 1978 to use certified Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certified contractors. It is recommended that any property owner also looks for a contractor with the RRP distinction. Professional lead paint removal contractors also follow strict rules when it comes to removal and lawful disposal of toxic materials. RRP certified companies are trained by EPA-approved trainers and also ensure that they are following lead-safe practices.

On top of being RRP certified, a professional lead paint removal company should use negative air pressure containments to keep contaminants from spreading throughout the building. They should be diligent that each and every technician properly uses full personal protective equipment. Removing lead paint is a dangerous job and companies need to take care that their technicians are able to stay safe while doing this important work. Some companies run daily exposure assessments for their workers and even conduct yearly blood monitoring to make sure that they are safe from the toxic effects of lead poisoning.

Don’t worry

In order to protect those who live or work in a building, property owners that are concerned about lead paint should contact a qualified and experienced lead paint removal company as soon as possible. These experts can assess the issues and provide reliable advice as to how to proceed with the removal. Reputable companies will always provide an accurate quote for both time and cost before the work commences.