Lead Safe? As in the Element

Lead Safe?

Was your home built prior to 1978? Then you have a 25% chance that there is lead based paint in your home. 1960? Then there is a 66% chance of lead based paint. Prior to 1940? 86%. And don’t think that it is just the paint on the walls. Nearly ALL surface coatings of these eras contained lead. This means cabinets, floor finishes, stained woodwork, and especially exterior finishes. Knowing what is lead based on your home is knowledge that your kids can learn on.

The best way to remove lead from your home is to well; remove it. Hiring a qualified lead certified contractor who has completed the EPA’s course on Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) is a good place to start. Containing the lead thru a new paint job can be a viable option to mitigate small hands from putting chips in their mouths. What to look out for here is the sanding of the existing surface prior to the paint being applied.

Have you ever spilled or even opened a packet of Sweet-n-Low or Equal? This is about a gram of substance. More than enough to become airborne, land on horizontal surfaces and be moved around the home. What’s interesting is that you will taste this on your tongue or in the nose simply by breathing. That somewhat sweet taste on the air can be pleasing and pleasant. It may even catch you a little off guard. Lead dust doesn’t taste, or smell, or otherwise heighten your senses. You just breathe it in.

Take the time to limit your and your homes exposure when refinishing a surface. Ask for and hire a contractor who has been certified by the EPA’s RRP program and be proactive about keeping you and your family safe during a remodel or renovation of your home.

NARI Central VA is committed to having its contractor members RRP certified to help you when you need to add-on, remodel, or renovate.

Thanks for reading and please visit my website

www.cshadedesign.com

I look forward to hearing from you…