Troubleshooting
The swab is red, now what? The proper way to handle lead is complicated due to the number of variables and because it’s regulation can vary from state to state. We recommend:
- Check with your local health department to determine what the local regulations are.
- If the paint is intact and on a stationary surface such as a wall covering or recoating may be o.k. Using a few coats of primer and paint.
A. This approach is not recommended for floors or friction area such as doors or window area. On these locations removal is usually recommended with a chemical stripper that will contain any lead containing dust. *Heat guns and sanding are never recommended, as this will allow the lead to become airborne an easily ingested. - Some states will allow use of encapsulating paints but again only in stationary surfaces that are in good condition. (No surface deterioration such as cracking or peeling) Below is a list of some manufactures and brands of encapsulating paints.
Below are manufactures and product names for lead encapsulators and lead paint strippers. Some states may not be as strict as others, however, many states require that you must be lead certified to use these products. Although regulations change all the time, the consumer should always check with the local health department before dealing with lead.
Lead Paint Strippers:
Lemon Peel is a bright yellow, industrial strength lemon scented paint remover. Its fast acting formula starts to remove most paints and stubborn coatings in less than one hour, without the use of dangerous chlorinated solvents or methylene chloride.
Strip-Tox™ by Back to Nature is a revolutionary new paint remover that is biodegradable, non-flammable, stripper contains no methylene chloride, caustic or other harsh chemicals. Strip-Tox safely removes multiple layers of paint and renders lead-based paint waste non-hazardous for disposal.
Peel Away I is an alkaline paste, and will remove thirty (30) coats of paint or more in a single application and there are NO TOXIC FUMES OR FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS. When the stripping action is complete (usually an overnight dwell time) in the removal process, the bulk of the paste/paint adheres to the fiber side of the cover for easy collection of the waste and the surface is cleaned with water and neutralized. PEEL AWAY I is the SAFEST method of removing lead paint since the process is always keeping the paint in a wet or damp state so there is no airborne lead dust. In addition, the lime in PEEL AWAY I, will in most cases, stabilize the lead being removed, taking it out of a hazardous waste category in terms of disposal.
Lead Encapsulate Paints:
Child Guard: By Fiberlock is a water-based, paint-like coating blended specifically to form a barrier between lead-based paint and the environment. ChildGuard is approved for use in all 50 states, and meets or exceeds all projected federal, state, and local standards for covering lead-based paint on interior or exterior surfaces. ChildGuard contains BITREX®, a bitter-tasting, nontoxic ingredient to discourage oral contact.
Protect-A-Coat™ By Back to Nature is a Lead Encapsulant has been specially engineered to form a remarkably sound and sturdy barrier between lead based paint and the environment. It is environmentally friendly that is water based, non-toxic, non-flammable and easy to use. It has superior adhesion, and results in an extremely sturdy, yet flexible coating that provides maximum long-term protection (20 year warranty). It results in a decorative finish.
BTN Exterior™ by Back to Nature has been specifically formulated to provide a remarkably sound and sturdy barrier between lead based paint and the environment. This is non-flammable, non-toxic, water based systems are environmentally safe and user friendly. It has superior adhesion and results in an extremely durable yet flexible coating that is virtually shatterproof and impenetrable. As a result it gives long-term protection (20 year warranty). ASTM Tested. Coverage at 8 mils dry is typically twice that of electrometric encapsulants.
Lead Hazards
How much lead must be ingested before any symptoms appear? The amount of lead that can cause symptoms varies and depends upon the general health and nutrition of the individual. In children with general poor health, or those with other health problems, the amount of lead is much smaller then the amount it takes in a healthy, nourished child.