Protect Your Family from Lead Exposure

If you’re not aware of the potential dangers of lead-based paint and the new law regulating the remodeling industry, it’s time for a quick tutorial.

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defined lead poisoning as the No. 1 environmental threat to the health of children in this country.

That was in 1991.

If you're not aware of the potential dangers of lead-based paint and the new law regulating the remodeling industry, it's time for a quick tutorial.

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defined lead poisoning as the No. 1 environmental threat to the health of children in this country.

That was in 1991.

On April 22, 2010, a new law instituted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) goes into effect, mandating that remodelers working in homes built prior to 1978 not only test for lead but also be certified to work in areas of the home, utilizing safe lead-removal practices. 

Heavily leaded paint was used in most homes built before the 1950s, with decreased levels used until 1977. Almost three-quarters of homes in the U.S. built through the late 1970s contain some lead-based paint, lead-glazed ceramic tiles and naturally occurring dust as surfaces treated with lead-based products wear and disintegrate over time. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead-based paint in residential housing in 1978.

Even low levels of lead in children who have ingested lead dust can result in compromised mental and physical development such as learning disorders, behavioral problems and reduced attention span. Lead can affect pregnant women and plague adults with irritability, poor muscle coordination, major organ damage and increased blood pressure.

“We're working hard to let consumers know that this pivotal law is going into effect,” says Jan Burchett, executive director of the Kansas City chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). “If someone who lives in one of the date-targeted homes is hiring a remodeler, they need to know that person has to have completed an eight-hour Certified Lead Renovator Training with an accredited trainer.”

Burchett explains that not only does a remodeler have to attend the class and become certified in order to be compliant, they also must register with the EPA that they intend to work on circa-1978 homes. 

Kyle Gunion and Angelique Rodriguez-Gunion own Titan Environmental Services in Kansas City, a full-service environmental consultant, training and testing firm. One of the services they provide is working with government and commercial contractors through the Certified Lead Renovator Training.

“There are many contractors out there who are extremely reputable but don't understand lead-based products and issues,” Gunion says. “They've never been taught to approach lead in a safe way, so when they disturb and expose residents to lead during a renovation, they don't understand the consequences of the dust that's created.”

According to Burchett and Gunion, certified contractors/remodelers are obligated to prove their valid certification by displaying their official lead-based paint license, certificate or training certificate to a homeowner. Don't be afraid to ask prospective remodelers to describe what they'll do to practice lead safety, and if you're having your home tested to determine the existence of lead, have them specify what the final lead inspection entails.

Titan Environmental Services performs two types of residential lead testing. The first is renovation-specific and costs $175; the second is a full lead-testing service for $375. 

“We know within 15 seconds what areas in a home have lead-based paint,” Gunion notes.

He says in addition to paint and ceramic-glazed tile stains, varnishes could potentially contain lead.

Gunion cautions that the presence of lead can be deceiving because it's not visible and is odorless and tasteless.
 
“When properly maintained and managed, lead-based paint poses little risk, although friction surfaces like windowsills, door frames, stairs and railings are a concern,” Gunion says. “In addition, lead-based paint that peels or chips poses a greater risk.”

The fine dust that forms as lead is disturbed or deteriorates gets on carpets, floors, furniture, toys and other objects, as well as on the hands of people living in the home.

There is an important distinction between the presence of lead-based paint and a lead-paint hazard. The latter poses an immediate threat, while lead-based paint in good condition might pose a hazard some time in the future. For this reason, HUD defined a detailed procedure that involves analyzing many painted surfaces in the home, evaluating the condition of paint and measuring lead dust concentrations. A risk assessment conducted by a qualified professional can alert you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure and what actions to take.

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2010 issue of Kansas City Homes & Gardens.