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Lead Paint Info
Homes built in or after 1978 usually do not contain lead-based paint since lead-based paint was banned for use in residences in 1978. However, about 83% of homes built prior to 1978 are likely to have surfaces painted with lead-based paint. Homes built before 1950 tend to contain more lead paint, with higher levels of lead. Just the presence of lead paint is not a danger, however, lead-based paint is poisonous and as it ages it can peel, chip or chalk, and form lead dust. The dust and chips from lead-based paint are dangerous when swallowed or inhaled, especially to small children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead-based paint, particularly at an early age can cause a variety of health problems. Lead can affect children's developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQs and learning disabilities. In adults, high lead levels can cause high blood pressure, headaches, digestive problems kidney damage, mood changes, nerve disorders, sleep disturbances, and muscle or joint pain. A single, very high exposure to lead can cause lead poisoning. Lead can also affect the ability of both women and men to have healthy children. Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a health hazard. However, if lead-based paint is peeling or cracking, it can be hazardous. Also, lead dust can develop when two surfaces painted with lead-based paint rub together, as when a double-hung window is raised and lowered repeatedly. If lead dust accumulates on the windowsill and a child puts his hands on the sill and then into his mouth, there is a possibility of lead exposure. Precautions can be taken to reduce the risks of lead exposure, such as washing windowsills frequently and washing children's hands before meals. Repairing damaged surfaces can temporarily reduce lead-based paint hazards. However, simply painting over lead-based paint is not enough to remove the hazard entirely. To permanently remove a lead-based paint hazard, you must completely remove it or encapsulate it with special materials. This can be expensive and should be done by licensed lead abatement contractors. There are several methods for determining the presence of lead paint in your home. These include the following: XRF Inspections: Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer that measures lead content in dried paint on surfaces Risk Assessments: On-site investigations to determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards Soil Samples: Soil cores tested by a certified laboratory using Atomic Absorption or other analytical methods Dust Wipes: Wipes of a measured surface area tested by a certified laboratory using using Atomic Absorption or other analytical methods Paint Chips: Small areas of paint are removed from the surface and tested by a certified laboratory using Atomic Absorption or other analytical methods The XRF instrument x-rays the paint on the surface, which causes any lead present to emit a characteristic frequency of radiation, the intensity of which is measured by the detector and related to the concentration of lead in the paint. The source of this radiation is generally the Cobalt 57 isotope. This material constantly emits energy known as gamma rays. When gamma rays released from an XRF hit a paint surface, the lead in the paint is excited and emits x-ray energy. This response is known as fluorescence. X-rays, like radio waves, are given off in different frequencies. Thus each time a gamma ray excites a lead atom, the atom fluoresces or emits energy of a frequency unique to lead, which is a higher wavelength than the radiation shot at the atom. The energy released at this particular frequency can be measured. The more lead in the surface, the more energy of this frequency is released and the higher the reading on the instrument. XRF testing is not accurate for measuring the lead concentration in soil. There are two types of XRF detectors available, Direct Reading and Spectrum Analyzers. Spectrum analyzers are much more selective in picking up this energy than are the direct reading XRFs. Willow Environmental Testing uses only spectrum XRF analyzers, which must be operated by specially trained technicians. In addition, Willow Environmental's XRF reports are one of the best benefits of our testing process because they are complete and easily understood. Each detailed report, with all of the instrument readings, floor plan, and complete summary of our findings, is typically faxed or emailed within 24 hours of the test. We are also available for questions during the entire project, whether it involves the inspection, reporting, or any abatement recommendations. Soil samples are usually collected from areas outside a home where there is concern that lead-paint chips or dust have contaminated the soil as a result of past renovations or weathering. Samples are collected at 0-2 inches depth and at 2, 6, and 12 feet from the building's foundation on each side. A site diagram is made to record the sample locations. Samples are then submitted to a certified analytical laboratory either individually or as composites (reserving the individual samples for possible further analyses). Typically, at least 4 samples are submitted to the laboratory, usually 3 composites and one grab (individual) sample. Soil that is known to be contaminated with lead should be wetted whenever landscaping or other disturbances are necessary. Wetted soil can be carefully raked to remove paint chips and debris. Planting grass or installing ground cover on bare soil can help reduce the transfer of lead-based paint dust to the interior of buildings by foot traffic. A risk assessment is an on-site investigation to determine the existence, nature, severity, and location of lead-based paint hazards and the provision of a report by the licensed individual or firm conducting the risk assessment. The report will explain the results of the investigation and present options for reducing lead-based paint hazards. This involves the use of either a wet wipe procedure or vacuum procedure to collect dust from a pre-determined measured surface area. The samples are then submitted to a certified analytical laboratory for analysis. This technique is used when the surface cannot be tested by XRF, the XRF readings are inconclusive, or local regulations or the owner require paint chip testing. Samples are collected using either a cutting or heating method to remove at least one square inch of material. The samples are then submitted to a certified analytical laboratory for analysis. |