Lead, Your Home ,and the EPA

The fact is that if your home was built prior to 1978 it most likely contains lead. It is contained in most coatings prior to being outlawed in 1978. Coatings are paint, lacquer, polyurethane, stain, etc. Lead is a bad thing, especially for children under 2 years old when everything goes from hand to mouth. Lead can be a major, obvious problem in high doses. Lead, on the other hand, can show up in subtle ways in low doses. Low level lead poisoning can result in emotional problems, A.D.D., and a 5 - 7 point reduction in IQ.

The good news is that lead coatings can be encapsulated. A fresh coat of paint can seal the lead away until it is disturbed. This is not the case when paint is allowed to chip and peal. When this has occurred then it has to be professionally remediated. Long story short, maintain your house on a regular basis. Have your painter back for a pressure wash and touch up on a yearly basis. It is relatively inexpensive and it will prevent wear, rot, and bigger problems like a lead contamination. Already have chipping and pealing? First, avoid the pressure washer which can spread the contamination. Second, call a remediation group for advice specific to your home. The remediation team should be certified by the EPA for Lead Removal or have Lead RRP (Remodel, Repair, and Painting) certification. I would recommend a painter with RRP certification. It will usually be the most cost effective.

As of April 22, 2010 all painters and remodelers will be required to gain Lead RRP Certification. This ensures that they have gone through the EPA training and have a basic knowledge about how to reduce the spread of lead and cleaning up properly when repainting, repairing, or renovating your home. If interviewing a firm within that realm, remember to ask if they have made the time to gain the certification.

For more information about Lead RRP certification visit: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm
For more information on lead poisoning and avoiding lead visit: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/

If you have questions or comments about the information offered in this article or anything having to do with residential design and construction please feel free to email me directly at frank@wicksteadworks.com.