For homes built before 1978, lead exposure becomes a concern during repairs, renovation or remodeling or whenever there is peeling or cracking paint, either indoors or out. Though the top layers of paint likely contain safe levels/small traces of lead, the underlying coats may consist of more dangerous lead-based paint. Environmental Protection Agency regulations require training, certification and numerous precautions for contractors whenever working on pre-1978 homes and other buildings. For individuals repairing their own homes, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control strongly recommends following numerous safety measures to limit the risk of lead poisoning.
Instructions
1. Test your home for lead-exposure dangers. Hire a certified lead risk assessor or submit a sample of your paint to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control lab for analysis. Carefully collect two to three tablespoons of paint---down to but not including the substrate---in a zippered plastic bag and mail it to DHEC. For more information on collecting, labeling and submitting your sample, call the South Carolina DHEC at (803) 896-0886.
2. Contact a specially trained lead-abatement professional if it's determined your home presents a risk of lead-based paint exposure. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises against do-it-yourself lead paint removal and recommends hiring professionals trained in handling the removal of hazardous material, especially in homes with children.
3. Check with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 office in Atlanta, Ga., at (800) 241-1754 for information and regulations on lead-based paint removal specific to your home or building. Rental or commercial properties fall under stricter regulations than privately owned homes. South Carolina does not operate its own lead program. Instead, the EPA Region 4 office regulates lead training and certification for South Carolina.
4. Keep children and pregnant women away from the work area, including outdoor projects. Disturbing surfaces covered in lead-based paint wall could stir up lead dust and cause lead poisoning in anyone who breathes or ingests the dust.
5. Limit your exposure to lead dust. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recommends using an air-purifying respirator when stirring up lead-based paint dust and says you should only eat, drink or smoke away from the work area after thoroughly cleaning your hands.
6. Dampen the area. Whenever possible, wet the surface before disturbing to limit lead dust. The Department of Health and Environmental Control advises against using power washers, chemical stripping, heat guns, dry sanding or dry scraping.
7. Tidy up and safely dispose of waste. Thorough daily cleanup of the work area and equipment will help prevent leaded-dust accumulations, the Department of Health and Environmental Control says. Use disposable, plastic drop cloths to protect against lead contamination of floors and furniture. You can place construction and demolition waste covered with lead-based paint in heavy-duty plastic bags and dispose of it along with your household garbage, according to the department.
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