Over the years, building codes have changed to eliminate the use of dangerous building materials used in construction. Some of the most common toxic chemicals found in building materials include:
- Asbestos
- Mercury
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Chromated Copper Arsenic (CCA)
- Lead
The Dangerous Effects of Lead Paint
Lead was widely used in the production of paint, but is lead paint dangerous? Yes!
When we’re exposed to high levels of this toxic substance over a short time, we can experience:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Pain in the hands or feet
When exposed to lead for prolonged periods, the dangerous health effects include, in addition to those above:
- Depression
- Forgetting a lot of things
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Heart and kidney disease
So what should you do if you learn that your home has paint that contains lead? Can you paint over lead paint?
The Do’s of Painting Over Lead Paint
It’s essential to know that it’s definitely okay to paint over lead paint to avoid exposure to this toxic chemical. But let’s consider two things you want to do when dealing with lead paint.
1. Do a Lead Test on Existing Paint
Although you may think that your home has lead paint, the first thing you want to do is be sure of it. Many people will suggest you test it yourself, but you could disturb lead dust and be exposed since this requires taking a sample. Instead, you should contact your local environmental inspectors so they can test for lead safely.
2. Do What You Must to Protect Yourself
It’s advisable to take all the safety precautions necessary when you’ve confirmed that your home contains lead. Anyone that enters the home should wear gloves, protective clothing, and foot coverings so that you can keep lead dust off your clothes. But, of course, the last thing you want to do is take any lead particles away from the worksite.
The Don’ts of Painting Over Lead Paint
Let’s also consider three things you want to avoid when dealing with lead paint.
1. Don’t Disturb The Existing Lead Paint
If you’ve determined that your home has traces of lead paint being used in the past, then you want to try your best not to disturb the lead paint. The danger arises when you attempt to chip, scrape, or sand any lead paint. Doing so will release particles of lead dust into the air leading to lead exposure.
The best way to prepare to paint over lead paint is to wipe down the existing surface with a warm, wet towel.
2. Don’t Take on This Project Yourself
Since lead has proven to be a dangerous threat to humans, you cant risk eliminating lead paint yourself. However, if you genuinely care for your safety and the safety of your family, you will hire professionals for lead paint removal.
Why You Need Air Quality Consultants, Inc.
Any home built before 1978 should be tested for lead because lead paint was likely used at some point. The odds are that, after so many years, the lead paint had been disturbed. But, unfortunately, the dangers of lead poisoning are real, and the effects can’t be reversed. So the best way to keep your mind at ease over your family’s safety is to get your home tested for lead.
Contact the professional environmental inspectors at Air Quality Consultants, Inc. and request a quote today!
