Lead


What is it?

Lead is a heavy metal that was heavily used in construction materials, but the most overwhelmingly prevalent use of lead was in paint. Lead-based paint was used up until 1978, and can still be found in many residential and commercial buildings today. Lead was used in plumbing applications as well. In addition, lead was also used in motor vehicle gasoline until it was gradually phased out in the 1970s and 1980s.

What regulations exist
to control Lead?

 Lead is heavily controlled and regulated, due to it being well known as an industrial hazard. Lead is regulated by the California Code of Regulations (CCR), particularly Title 8 that deals with the proper handling, removal, maintenance, and worker protection, Title 10 that deals with the appropriate disclosure of the presence of lead within a building in real estate transactions and rental contracts, and Department of Public Health regulates exposure levels in housing. The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations deal with the proper methods of testing and removal of lead based paint in residential buildings. The use of lead paint was banned in 1978 in residential buildings, but large amounts of older buildings still exist that are covered in lead paint. It is much easier to prevent lead exposure altogether rather than have to deal with the effects of it after exposure has occurred.

How does Envirocheck, Inc.
test for Lead?

 Envirocheck, Inc. tests for lead in various ways depending on the project at hand. Envirocheck can test lead based paint be using a portable X-Ray Florescence (XRF) Machine to test paint on-site. Paint chips, dust wipe, soil, or water samples can be taken to determine and assess the risk at a property. Clearance testing and inspection can be performed after lead is removed to determine habitability. These tests are performed in accordance with Chapter 7 of the HUD Guidelines. Envirocheck has an in-house NLLAP accredited Lead Lab that uses Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) to service the lead testing needs.


Where is it found?

 Lead is most commonly found on painted surfaces on either the interior or exterior of a building. Common substrates that may contain lead based paint are on windows, window sills, door jambs, doors, baseboards and moldings, exterior eves, etc. Because paint can deteriorate, dry and become brittle over time, lead paint chips can break off painted surfaces and fall into the surrounding areas of interior floors or exterior dirt. In locations where lead painted surfaces are subjected to high friction, such as a door and door jamb, lead dust can be created due to the constant amount of friction produced when opening and closing the door. Sanding or abrading of lead painted surfaces can also create lead dust. Lead can also be found in old toys, and can sometimes even leach into drinking water.

What kinds of health effects do Lead cause?

Lead is most potentially harmful to infants and children under six years old, whose rapidly developing (and therefore, fragile) immune systems are more susceptible to harm from lead ingestion. Children exposed to dangerous levels of lead can suffer from learning disabilities and lowered I.Q. scores, hearing loss, behavioral problems, and even death. Furthermore, adults can also be victims of the dangerous effects of lead; suffering from reproductive problems, high blood pressure, and nervous system damage. The primary pathways for lead exposure are through the ingestion or inhalation of lead dust particulates.

What should I do if Lead is detected in my home or work?

The mere presence of lead in one's home does not automatically mean that it should be removed. In some cases, the best line of defense in dealing with lead-containing surfaces in the home is to maintain them in good condition, and to ensure that dust and lead-containing paint chips do not flake off. Lead paint can be enclosed and covered with a laminate or a wooden wall; it can also be encapsulated via spraying with a tough coating that will lock the lead paint in place. Should removal of the lead-containing materials be the best option, lead paint can be removed via wire brushing, wet hand scraping, wet hand sanding, power sanding, and heat stripping. It should be noted that HEPA vacuuming is essential to lessen the potential for spreading lead dust. Furthermore, only licensed and qualified contractors experienced in lead removal and abatement should perform these specific tasks. Envirocheck should perform a Risk Assessment if children are present and Envirocheck, Inc. should perform a clearance after any abatement of lead paint is performed.
 
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