How to Address Lead Hazards After an Inspection

Discovering lead hazards in your home can be concerning, but taking immediate action can help keep your family safe. Lead exposure is hazardous for young children and pregnant women, so addressing any issues promptly after an inspection reveals lead hazards is crucial.

Review the Inspection Report

The first step after an inspection is to review the report provided by the inspector carefully. The report will detail areas where lead is present, whether in the paint, dust, soil, or other surfaces. Understanding exactly where the hazards are will help you decide on the best action.

If you have any questions about the findings, don’t hesitate to contact the inspector for clarification. A complete understanding of the hazards will make it easier to take the necessary steps to address them.

Limit Exposure Immediately

Until you can address the lead hazards permanently, limiting exposure is essential to keep your family safe. Here are some short-term measures you can take:

• Keep Children Away: Prevent children from accessing areas with lead-based paint, peeling paint, or lead dust.
• Clean Regularly: Use wet cleaning methods to reduce lead dust. Mop floors regularly, clean window sills, and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to prevent dust from spreading.
• Cover Affected Areas: Temporarily cover peeling paint or areas with exposed lead with heavy-duty plastic or duct tape.

These steps will help reduce the risk of exposure until you can take more permanent measures.

Hire a Certified Lead Abatement Professional

Dealing with lead hazards requires expertise, especially if the lead is in large amounts in paint, dust, or soil. Hiring a certified lead abatement professional is crucial for safe and effective removal. Lead abatement professionals are trained to follow safety procedures and use specialized tools to remove or contain lead hazards.

Verify that the contractor is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or an equivalent state program. Hiring a certified professional helps ensure that the lead hazards are handled in a way that keeps your family safe and meets all legal requirements.

Options for Lead Hazard Remediation

Depending on the type and location of the lead hazard, there are different approaches you can take to address it:

• Paint Stabilization: For peeling or chipped lead-based paint, paint stabilization involves repairing the surface and repainting to seal the lead.
• Encapsulation: Encapsulation involves applying a special coating to create a barrier over the lead paint. It is often less invasive than removal.
• Replacement: In some cases, it may be best to completely remove and replace items containing lead, such as windows, doors, or trim.
• Soil Treatment: If lead is found in the soil around your home, covering it with new soil or using grass and other ground cover can help reduce exposure.

Discuss these options with a lead abatement professional to determine the best approach for your situation.

Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Once lead hazards have been addressed, regular maintenance is key to ensuring the problem doesn’t return. Here are some important maintenance practices to follow:

• Inspect Regularly: Monitor areas where lead was found, especially high-traffic areas like windows, doors, and stairs. Look for any signs of peeling paint or damage.
• Keep Surfaces Clean: Regularly clean surfaces to prevent lead dust buildup. Use damp mops and cloths, as dry dusting can spread lead particles.
• Repaint as Needed: Repainting surfaces where lead paint is present can help keep them sealed and prevent deterioration.

Moving Forward Safely

Addressing lead hazards after an inspection can feel overwhelming, but taking the proper steps will help protect your family and home. Start by reviewing the inspection report, immediately limiting exposure, and hiring a certified lead abatement professional for permanent remediation.

Depending on the situation, several options are available for addressing lead hazards, including encapsulation, paint stabilization, and replacement.

By staying proactive and maintaining areas where lead was found, you can keep your home safe and healthy for everyone. If you have concerns about lead in your home, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure proper handling and long-term safety.