Lead, Mercury and Hazardous Paint, Oh My! Update Now to Remove Paint Toxins
Posted on February 15, 2019
Older homes have the potential to be hiding toxins in the walls. To remove paint toxins is a big job but can give you piece of mind and make your home safer.
Older homes have the potential to be hiding toxins in the walls. Prior to 1978, it was the norm for interior paint to include things like lead, mercury and other hazardous chemicals. Medically, even a small amount of these chemicals can be absorbed from living in a home painted with them resulting in intellectual and behavioral problems in babies and small children.
Why remove paint toxins?
Most exposure happens from ingestion. The paint is not a danger when it is on the walls in tact. The issue arises when it begins to chip, flake or is removed.
Low levels of exposure to toxins can lead to learning disabilities, where high levels can lead to lead poisoning, anemia and issues with the brain and nervous system.
There is no safe level of exposure. The length of time the person is exposed to it will lead to more severe symptoms. The only answer is to remove paint toxins.
What homes can have lead-based paint?
Paint containing lead was used regularly prior to 1960. From 1960-1990, paint produced had a much smaller amount of lead and chemical toxins. Beyond 1992, all paint products in this country for interiors are virtually lead-free.
Exterior paints used for the outside of a house may contain lead. If it contains lead, the paint will have a warning label.
How can I check paint toxins in my house?
There are home lead test kits available at home improvement stores. Paint chips are sent into laboratories for analysis. Certified contractors are also a good resource to give you an immediate answer with their x-ray equipment specially made to test toxins in paint.
Plan to remove paint toxins.
Paint containing any level of these toxins can be dangerous, and even more so if you disturb it with a renovation. It’s an important decision to remove toxic paint. Disturbing otherwise intact surfaces can release toxic dust into the air and be ingested. To reduce the chance of ingestion, covering the paint with a new, safe interior paint can be the best answer.
How do I safely remove paint toxins?
For construction and renovation of any structure potentially painted with toxic paint, you’ll want to consider the following. It’s important to evaluate what is best for your family and situation. Sometimes hiring a professional is the best option.
Family
The youngest members of your family will be the most susceptible to paint toxins. Also, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid all exposure. Even if there is a small chance your home is contaminated, small children and pregnant women should stay out of the home until the work is complete.
Protect yourself
When completing the work, cover yourself as much as possible, including eyes and face. A U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirator is imperative. It will keep the dust, mist and fumes out of your lungs. Do not eat, drink, smoke or remove the respirator in the construction area for any reason.
Preparation
Beyond removing all children and pets from the work area, prevent spreading of the toxins by sealing the area off. This includes covering all heating or air conditioning vents.
Remove all soft surfaces from the area including curtains, rugs, furniture, and other household items. After work begins, use a spray bottle with water and detergent to spray down the dust at the end of each day.
If it is the exterior of your home you are working on, avoid windy days and use a plastic drop cloth. Cover and tape off windows and doors to keep dust from getting in the home.
Safe Stripping
Employing techniques from the professionals that reduce dust and fumes is the safest way to remove toxic paint. Chemical stripping produces the least amount of lead dust. Chemical stripping agents contain their own harmful aspects, and directions must be followed. Sanding or grinding will create more dust and require more care not to spread it.
Vents
Turn off any compressors for air conditioners or heaters. Cover and tape the vents all off with plastic. Remove work clothing and safety gear prior to leaving the area.
Cleaning
Do a daily clean-up. When you complete work for the day, use a plastic squirt bottle to spray down all of the dusty areas, or wet wipe all of the areas down. This will help avoid the dust spreading after you work. Use a sealed plastic bag to store all items used to clean up and mark it hazardous waste. If you use a vacuum, make sure it has a HEPA filter in it. Immediately remove all work clothes and wash your face, hands, tools and equipment.
Final Clean Up
When you have completed your work, wait 24 hours to let any dust in the air settle before you begin your final clean up. Again, wet wipe all surfaces and store cleaning items in plastic marked hazardous waste.
