For Homeowners with homes built before 1978, there is a good chance you’ll need to become lead-based paint safe. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint, but some states banned it even earlier. Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning.
Historically, Lead-based paint was used for painting the interior and exterior of homes. The older the home, the more likely lead-based paint was used. The United States Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, also known as Title X, to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust, and soil. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has directed contractors to help control the public’s exposure to lead hazards specifically through what is called the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
Request a Quote! We’ll get your home Lead-based paint safe.
- Becoming Lead-based paint safe is not difficult.
- Lead paint is still present in millions of homes, sometimes under layers of newer paint. If the paint is in good shape, the lead paint is usually not a problem. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention.
- It may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear, such as:
- Windows and window sills
- Doors and door frames
- Stairs, railings, banisters, and porches
- Be sure to keep all paint in excellent shape and clean up dust frequently. Read about simple steps to protect your family from lead hazards (PDF)
- Lead in household dust results from indoor sources such as deteriorating lead-based paint.
- Lead dust can also be tracked into the home from soil outside that is contaminated by deteriorated exterior lead-based paint and other lead sources, such as industrial pollution and past use of leaded gasoline. Read more about lead dust.
- Renovation, repair or painting activities can create toxic lead dust when painted surfaces are disturbed or demolished. Denver’s House Painting Pro, GP&D is a Lead-based Paint Safe Certified Contractor.
- Pipes and solder — Lead is used in some water service lines and household plumbing materials. Lead can leach, or enter the water, as water flows through the plumbing. Lead pipes and lead solder were commonly used until 1986. Read more about lead in drinking water.
You may look at this rule and say “That makes good sense.” Protect the children during their developmental years. We agree; do things the right way and make everyone’s life better. Our hope is other contractors working on Pre-1978 housing adopt this business posture and stop performing work in an unhealthy manner.
GP&D Restoration, LLC has performed many lead safe projects. Our compliance, procedures and equipment are approved for use and provide you peace of mind.
- We care enough about your health to only do the work the right way
- We have the right tools and equipment
- We follow EPA regulations and compliance procedures to the letter of the law
- We have the experience with setting up containment and post project cleanup.
- HEPA vacuums are used to keep microscopic lead particles from being launched throughout your home.
- Our employees are properly trained and work safely.
Request a Quote! We’ll get your home Lead-based paint safe.
Contributor: Graphic and some text content from EPA’s website.