There are so many programs on television that teach simple ways to accomplish satisfying home improvement projects. There are also classes held at hardware and home improvement stores to help the homeowner learn essential "DIY" (do-it-yourself) techniques. Unfortunately, these informative programs rarely express the absolute necessity of containing lead hazards during these projects. Remodeling projects undertaken without proper precaution, containment and clean-up procedures can result in a toxic home environment. Below is a list of "DOs" and "DON'Ts" for such remodeling or home improvement operations...
1) Assume that housing built prior to 1978 has lead. Make sure that before beginning any project on your home, you understand that lead paint was used in on the interior and exterior of housing until 1978 and that by disturbing intact paint, you could be creating lead dust and/or fumes.
2) Check to see what local programs may be able to help you by providing either educational programs or rehabilitation programs. Currently, the City of Tucson has a lead rehabilitation/abatement program. This program allows qualified households to receive assessment and rehabilitation/abatement measures, free of charge. If you have just done some remodeling or plan to, make sure you check in with the City to see if you are eligible for a lead risk assessment! Call Taiko Maria Haessler at the Southwest Fair Housing Council at 520-798-1568.
3) Avoid creating or spreading dust. Invest in plastic covering to seal off the area of the house you will be working on. Use a spray bottle full of water to mist any dust before attempting to clean it up. By lightly wetting the dust, you ensure that the dust will not simply be moved around or become airborne, rather, it will stick to the surface and then to that rag used to clean it up. Dispose of rags, plastic covering, and dust masks in a sealed plastic garbage bag that is thrown away immediately. Make sure not to eat, drink, or smoke in the area where work is being done.
4) Protect children by having them stay in another location during the time of remodeling until after the time of clean-up. It is important that children are not present during the time of remodeling because they may inhale airborne dust particles that contain lead. Protect yourself, too, by wearing a face mask and washing your clothes separately from everyone else's.
5) Clean-up is an important step! Try to clean as you go, making sure that all dust is as contained as possible. Do not leave behind any paint chips or pieces of wall, even in garbage bags. Dispose of these things immediately, removing them from the home environment as quickly and carefully as possible. When you are finished, do a lead swab on any dust you find to make sure it does not contain lead.
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