What About Renovating/Abating Lead-based Paint?
If your home was built before 1978 it probably has paint that contains high levels of lead. The only way to know for sure is to have your home tested for lead by calling a certified lead inspector or lead risk assessor. You may call Kentucky’s Environmental Lead Program (ELP) at (502) 564-4537 or Kentucky’s Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) at (502) 564-2154 for more information. Home test kits are available, but they are not accurate.
The lead risk assessor may find that your home needs abatement (or removal of all lead hazards). Abatement should never be done by anyone that is not trained and certified. Removing lead improperly can increase the hazard to your family by spreading more lead dust around the house. Proper abatement should include the following steps:
1. Proper training of all workers involved in abatement.
2. Protecting workers whenever they are in the abatement area.
3. Containing dust and paint chips that have lead in them.
4. Proper control or removal of lead-based paint.
5. Proper disposal of trash.
6. Final inspection of the house for dust (called clearance sampling).
For Kentucky’s regulations on abatement click below:
Home projects or renovation done on lead-painted areas can also create harmful lead dust. You should use a renovator who knows how to protect your family from exposure to lead dust. It is best to hire one who has training and experience in dealing with the hazards of remodeling or renovating homes with lead-based paint. Ask to see lead certification and ask about his/her experience.
If you wish to perform the work yourself, which we strongly suggest you do not perform the work yourself; follow the work practices and safety precautions in this guide. Again, it is best to hire a renovator with training and experience rather than renovating on your own.
If you have already completed repairs or remodeling that could have released lead-based paint or dust, have your children (especially ages 6 or younger) tested for lead immediately. Be sure to keep your children away from any dust or paint chips. Clean the dust and paint chips up with wet mops and rags. Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning the area. Also click here to read the “How Do I Avoid Lead Poisoning” web page which has more guidance.
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