Taking care of lead paint primarily involves managing it safely in place to prevent the creation and spread of hazardous lead dust.
If your home has lead paint, the key is to maintain the painted surfaces and control dust. Lead dust is the main way people are exposed to lead from paint.
Safe Management of Lead Paint
Instead of trying to remove intact lead paint yourself, which can create significant dust and hazards, focus on maintaining it in good condition.
Regular Checks for Damage
A crucial step in managing lead paint is regularly checking all painted surfaces of your home for chipping or peeling. Pay close attention to areas that experience friction or wear, such as:
- Doors and door frames
- Windows and window sills
- Stairways (steps, railings)
These high-traffic or high-friction areas are where paint is most likely to become damaged and release lead dust or chips.
Cleaning Up Dust and Chips
If you discover dust and chips from deteriorating lead paint, prompt and safe cleaning is essential.
The recommended method for cleaning is wet cleaning:
- Use damp paper towels or a mop.
- Wet the dust and chips to prevent them from becoming airborne.
- Carefully wipe or mop the area.
- Dispose of the paper towels or rinse the mop water into the toilet.
Wet clean often if you see dust and chips to minimize exposure.
Maintaining Painted Surfaces
Beyond cleaning, try to keep painted surfaces in good repair. If paint is only slightly damaged in non-friction areas, sometimes carefully painting over it (encapsulation) can be a temporary solution, but this should be done carefully to avoid disturbing the underlying paint. For more significant damage or when renovating, professional lead-safe work practices are required.
Remember, controlling lead dust through regular checks and cleaning is vital for protecting occupants, especially children, from lead exposure.
