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Government statistics indicate that over 65 million pre-1978
U.S. houses contain lead-based pains. Until the late 1940's, lead was used as a pigment in many paints, especially the lighter colors. Some paints contained as much as 50 percent lead by weight. Other pigments replaced lead in the 50's
but smaller amounts were still used in some paints as a sealant or to accelerate drying. In the late 70's, both U.S.
authorities limited the amount of lead in interior paint to 0.6 and 0.5 percent by weight. respectively.
The presence of lead-based paint is closely linked to the age of
a house (see graph). Better than 90 percent of pre-1940 houses contain lead-based paint and almost two-thirds of houses
built in the 60's and 70's contain lead-based paint. Contrary to popular belief, expensive houses are more likely to contain
lead-based paint than their more modest counterparts. This is due to the use of better paints (with more lead) in the more
expensive houses. On the other hand, less expensive houses may not have been maintained as well and the paint is more
likely to represent a greater hazard.
Houses built before 1940 may still have lead pipes and houses
built between 1956 and 1986 may have lead solder sealing the joints in copper pipes. Over time, the lead leaches into the
household water supply.
This material has been prepared to assist in dealing with the
presence of lead and/or lead-based paint. Consider the following family health recommendations as well as the various lead
abatement options.
HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
If your family has been exposed to lead dust or flaking lead based paint on or around house surfaces or lead in the water.
The HouseMasler Technical Staff advises that everyone, particularly children age 6 and under, be screened for lead poisoning.
Since the early symptoms of lead poisoning are often confused with other illnesses, it is dificult to diagnose lead poisoning
without medical testing. Early symptoms may include persistent tiredness, irritability. loss of appetite. stomach discomfort.
reduced attention span. insomnia and constipation. Failure to treat children in the early stages can cause long-term or permanent health damage. Lead is also hazardous to adults who
can suffer from pregnancy problems, high blood pressure, nerve disorders. muscle and joint pain, and
memory/concentration problems. |
LEAD-BASED
PAINT ABATEMENT AND INTERIM CONTROL
There are several options available to address lead-based paint hazards in
residential properties, including:
• Paint Removal. Elimination of lead-based paint is not a do-it yourself
project. Done improperly, paint removal can increase the level of lead
dust and put the workers and house occupants at greater risk. Contact your
state health department for information about contractors who can safely
remove lead-based paint.
• Encapsulation. Paint surfaces are covered with a special coating that
relies on adhesion to the lead-based painted surface; nothing is
mechanically fastened to the surface. Mere painting or wallpapering is not
an acceptable method of encapsulation. While this approach to lead paint
abatement is often the least expensive option. it is the most
unpredictable in terms of its long-term effectiveness.
• Enclosure. The lead-based paint surface is enclosed by installing a
rigid, durable barrier that is mechanically attached to building
components with all edges and seams sealed with a sealant. For broad
surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors and siding, enclosure is often
considered less expensive and less hazardous than replacement and paint
removal.
• Replacement. Where the lead-based paint is localized to a few elements
such as a window or door, replacement of the element is probably the most
cost effective option. Caution should be taken to avoid creating lead dust
in the removal process. Again. professionals should be considered for any
removal projects.
LEAD IN WATER
Lead in household water may be the result of lead leaching from old lead water mains delivering water to the house, interior lead
pipes and lead-containing fittings or from lead solder used to join household copper piping.
If the lead piping is the culprit. replacement is an option although most homeowners resolve their household lead concerns with point of entry (whole house) or point of use water filters. Quality filter products perform well in reducing lead levels
in drinking water.
LEAD IN SOIL
Exposure to lead in soil and exterior dust can occur both outside during play and inside from soil and dust carried into houses on shoes, clothing, pets or other means. Soil abatement, as
opposed to interim controls, is generally appropriate when lead is present in extraordinarily high
concentrations. Soil abatement methods include soil removal and replacement, soil cultivation,
soil treatment and paving with concrete or asphalt.
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