[Build] [Fwd: [Fwd: Lead paint in 50 % of all older buildings]]

[Rachel McConnell]

Advice on paint from Gina, our cleaner.


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Lead paint in 50 % of all older buildings
Date: 	Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:22:22 -0700
From: 	Gina <cleansupport at lmi.net>
To: 	build at lists.noisebridge.net



Hi All,

As you may know, half of all buildings built before 1978 have lead
paint, used especially on window sills, doors, kitchens, baths,
Exposure can cause neurological problems in adults (see below).
Deteriorating lead paint creates breathable lead dust that spreads
throughout the space, contaminating regular dust. From there, it takes a
free ride home on hair and clothes.


Any damaged lead-painted surfaces need wet-sanding, then sealed and
well-painted to a smooth, cleanable surface. After painting, lead-safe
cleaning (using a HEPA vac and dust cloths dampened with soap) ensures
that NB members won't be exposed.


The older the bldg, the more likely to have the problem.  Your landlord
is required to inform you of any lead paint hazard. If not, the paint
can be tested with a cheap test kit from the hardware store.  Consumer
Reports recommends Lead Check brand, although only a lab looking at a
chip can tell for sure.

Gina, cleaning for your health

PS...
Below are excerpts from http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#health

*Health effects of lead*

  * Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
        o Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
        o High blood pressure and hypertension
        o Nerve disorders
        o Memory and concentration problems
        o Muscle and joint pain
        o

  * People can get lead in their body if they:
        o Breathe in lead dust, especially during renovations that
          disturb painted surfaces.
        o Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in
          their mouths.
        o


*Where lead is found*

  * Household dust. Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating
    lead-based paint or from soil tracked into a home.


  * The job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your
    hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home.
    Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your
    family's clothes.


    *Where lead is likely to be a hazard*

Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can't
always see, can be serious hazards.

  * Peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a
    hazard and needs immediate attention.

  Note: Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a
  hazard.

  * Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry
    sanded, or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or
    rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects
    that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when
    people vacuum, sweep or walk through it.


    *How to check your family and home for lead*

Home test kits for lead are available, but studies suggest that they are
not always accurate. Consumers should not rely on these tests before
doing renovations or to assure safety.

*What you can do to protect your family*

  * If you suspect that your house has lead hazards, you can take some
    immediate steps to reduce your family's risk:
        o If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
        o Clean up paint chips immediately.
        o Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other
          surfaces weekly. Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm
          water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made
          specifically for lead.
        o Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty
          or dusty areas.

  * Additional steps:
        o You can temporarily reduce lead hazards by  repairing
          damaged painted surfaces ...not permanent solutions and will
          need ongoing attention.
        o To permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a
          certified lead "abatement" contractor. Abatement (or
          permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing,
          sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special
          materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint
          is not enough.
        o

*Are you planning to buy or rent a home built before 1978?*

  * Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Program
        o LANDLORDS have to disclose known information on lead-based
          paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take
          effect. Leases must include a disclosure form about
          lead-based paint.


    Renovating, repairing or painting a home,

Beginning in April 2010, federal law will require that contractors
performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb
lead-based paint in homes

Contractor should follow these three simple procedures:

  * Contain the work area
  * Minimize dust
  * Clean up throughly

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See
EPA's PDF page <http://www.epa.gov/epahome/pdf.html> to learn more.

To learn more about renovation:

  * Visit EPA's renovation, repair and painting
    <http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm> web page
  * Read the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
    <http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-TOX/2008/April/Day-22/t8141.pdf>
    (79 pp, 847K)
  * Read the fact sheet on renovation
    <http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/rrpfactsheet2008.htm> | en español
    <http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/rrpfactsheet2008sp.htm>
  * Read EPA pamphlets on renovation, repair and painting:
        o /Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for
          Families, Child Care Providers and Schools (PDF)/
          <http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf> (20
          pp, 3.7MB)
        o /Contractors: Lead Safety During Renovation (PDF)/
          <http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/contractor_brochure.pdf> (2
          pp, 1.5MB) HTML version
          <http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/contractor_brochure.htm>