Getting the lead out

Paints containing lead have been off the market for more than 25 years. Nevertheless, renovating and remodeling homes built before 1978 continue to present health hazards. The older your home, says the Environmental Protection Agency, the greater the chance it has lead-based paint, a threat even if you've laid lead-free coats over it. Scrape, sand, or heat leaded paint, and lead can become airborne and make it into your body or contaminate the soil around your home. Children are especially vulnerable and suffer among the worst effects. Anyone in contact with lead, however, is at risk.

Your first step is having the area tested for lead-based paint. The EPA does not recommend home-use testing kits. Instead, it suggests hiring a trained inspector to either test surfaces on-site or send samples to a lab. If lead-based paint is present, the agency recommends hiring a professional to prep the surface. The agency's brochure “Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home,” available online at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/rrpamph.pdf , offers suggestions on finding an inspector as well as information on what to look for in a remediation contractor. But if there are no qualified pros in your area, or you're determined to do the job yourself, the EPA offers the following tips on steering clear of hazards when you're preparing a surface for repainting. For more detailed advice, check out the brochure.

Avoid using a belt sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove the paint. If you do, you can create dust that's tracked indoors. Fumes generated when heat is applied can be poisonous.

Protect yourself by wearing a NIOSH-certified respirator equipped with HEPA filters to control lead exposure along with other gear such as coveralls, goggles, and gloves. Dust masks don't help. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop.

Protect family members by moving them out of the house—or at least sealing off the work area—until the prepping is complete and the area is thoroughly cleaned. This involves cleaning up all paints chips immediately, wiping all surfaces with warm water and a general-purpose cleaner (or one designed for use with lead), and thoroughly rinsing sponges and mops afterward. Wash children's hands often, especially before meals and bedtime. And regularly wash all items in play areas.

Read our complete Ratings report and related information on exterior paints & stains (available to subscribers).