Lead-based paint continues to be a safety hazard across the United States, with an estimated one-third of all homes still containing this toxic substance.
If you’re a contractor, landlord, property management company or realtor, you may have come across properties where lead based paint poses a threat and must be removed. Ensuring the proper removal of lead based paint should be an important part of your plan.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken several actions to reduce lead exposure and enforce laws that govern how lead based paint should be removed and properly disposed of. Dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s has never been more important.
In fact, an Indiana contractor was sentenced to 16 months in prison for falsifying compliance records, as well as failing to use lead-safe work practices at multiple properties. At one of those properties, a child tested for elevated lead levels in their blood.
During renovation work, companies must use lead-safe work practices. Landlords and property management companies are required to inform tenants and buyers about known lead paint in properties as well. When you are removing lead based paint or anything that has come into contact with toxins, it’s critical to continue your attention to detail.
The Dangers Of Lead Based Paint
Lead based paint poses many health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. When lead paint deteriorates, it creates lead
dust, which can be easily ingested or inhaled. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause serious health problems, including:
- Cognitive Impairments: Lead exposure in children can lead to developmental delays, reduced IQ, attention disorders and learning difficulties.
- Physical Health Issues: Chronic exposure can cause anemia, hypertension, kidney damage and weakened bones.
- Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women exposed to lead are at risk of miscarriages, premature births and developmental issues in their unborn children.
Long-term exposure can have lasting effects on both children and adults. Yet several estimates say old lead paint remains in more than 34 million older homes. Nearly 3.3 million of these homes have children younger than 6, according to the EPA.
How People Are Exposed To Lead Based Paint
Adults and children can be exposed to lead-based paint a number of ways. One of the most common pathways is through the ingestion of lead dust. As lead-based paint deteriorates, it creates fine dust particles.
Children, especially those under the age of 6, are at high risk since they often put their hands or objects covered with lead dust into their mouths.
During renovations, repairs or demolition, lead paint can produce dust and fumes that can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity, increasing the risk of lead poisoning.
Exterior lead-based paint can also chip and mix with the soil around homes, leading to soil contamination. Children playing outside can come into contact with this contaminated soil and inadvertently ingest or inhale lead particles.
Lead Based Paint Regulations Evolving
As the understanding of the dangers of lead exposure has grown, regulations surrounding lead-based paint continue to evolve. These
regulations aim to mitigate the risks associated with lead paint in residential and commercial properties, ensuring safe environments for all occupants.
For example, last year, the EPA announced a plan to strengthen requirements for the removal of lead-based paint hazards in buildings built prior to 1978 and in childcare facilities. The agency also proposed to lower the dust-lead hazard standards for floors and window sills, as well as to strengthen the dust-lead clearance levels in floor dust, window sill dust and window troughs.
The evolution of these rules reflects a commitment to public health and safety, requiring compliance from property owners, contractors and other stakeholders involved in the management and renovation of buildings containing lead-based paint.
It’s important to note that in addition to federal laws, there are several state laws that must be followed when removing lead based paint. For example, in California, it is a crime for a person to engage in acts related to the evaluation or abatement of lead paint unless that person is certified or accredited.
Examples Of Contaminated Materials
While your abatement efforts may focus on removing dust and paint chips or drywall from painted surfaces, you may have to contend with other types of contaminated materials in your working area as well.
For example, common examples of contaminated materials that may require special disposal include:
- Protective sheeting separating rooms
- Plastic sheets that cover and seal the floors
- High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters
- Dirty water
- Cloths
- Mop heads and wipes
- Protective clothing
- Respirators and gloves
- Other architectural components
When abatement activities generate this type of waste that is potentially contaminated, you store and transport it safely to prevent the release of lead-contaminated dust and debris into the environment.
It’s also important to note that while in California, lead based paint is considered hazardous, you may generate some waste that is considered non-hazardous. Knowing what waste is hazardous versus non-hazardous is critically important. An experienced disposal company can help with this process.
How A Disposal Company Can Assist When Removing Lead Paint
Working with a professional disposal company can be crucial when removing lead based paint. These companies offer specialized services that ensure the safe and compliant handling of hazardous materials.
Disposal companies have trained professionals who understand the complexities of lead paint removal and disposal. They stay updated on the latest regulations and best practices, ensuring that all procedures comply with federal and state laws.
The top disposal companies also:
- Use specialized equipment, such as HEPA vacuums and protective gear, to safely remove and contain lead particles
- Safely transports waste to designated disposal facilities by applying for the necessary licenses and driving the proper vehicles
- Comply with regulations by ensuring that all steps of the lead paint removal and disposal process meet regulatory standards
- Offer efficient service, minimizing downtime and disruption to the property
When looking for a disposal company to partner with, it’s critical to make sure the business has the appropriate licenses and permits to transport the type of waste that is generated during the lead paint abatement process. Different types of waste require different types of licenses, and just because a disposal company is licensed to transport hazardous waste does not necessarily mean it can transport the type of waste you have generated.
Choosing the right disposal company not only ensures compliance with regulations but also protects the health and safety of everyone involved in the lead paint removal process.
