Lead safety

oldpaintLead poisoning can affect children’s developing nervous systems, causing learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Lead is also harmful to adults. Ecologic is a lead safe renovator. We can assess your home for lead and other hazards.

The most common way people are exposed to lead is through dust from old paint from 1978 and earlier. Renovation projects can disturb lead-based paint and create dust and endanger you and your family. A lead safe professional can check for lead-based paint in your home, make risk assessments and determine if your home has lead hazards. If your home was built before 1978, you should assume that lead paint has been used on walls, moldings, and doors. Even though the lead paint may be coated with lead-free paint that is no peeling,  renovation work can create a hazard if not done properly. The work area should be contained with heavy plastic so that dust does not escape. Floors and any furniture that cannot be moved should be covered. Doors and vents should be sealed off. This will help prevent dust or debris from getting outside the work area. A lead safe renovator will minimize dust by misting areas before sanding or scraping; scoring paint before separating components; and prying and  pulling apart components instead of breaking them.  After the work is completed the area should be cleaned up thoroughly using a HEPA vacuum attachment, followed by wet mopping with plenty of rinse water.

The pathway from the work area to the outside should be protected, covered and cleaned frequently. The pathway used by the workers during construction should not be used by the residents.

Workers should wear respirators.  Workers should wear coverings left on site and should not bring dusty clothes home to endanger their own families.

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