The Dangers of Lead Elimination

Lead Removal San Mateo CA is not a do-it-yourself job. It is very serious and must be left to professionals. Homeowners who attempt to take out lead-containing objects on their own run the risk of spreading lead-borne dust into the home. This dust is very dangerous for those living inside the home as it can cause lung problems, learning disabilities, as well as brain damage.

When it comes to lead removal, home owners must work with trained professionals. Any task that has to do with encapsulation must be left to qualified professionals who know how to safely perform all necessary tasks to safely encapsulate any object that may need to be removed. A qualified contractor will use equipment specifically designed for removing lead and encapsulating materials.

The encapsulation process itself involves several steps, including sanding, blasting, sealing and priming. Professionals must measure and cut holes into walls, floor panels, ceilings, and other interior surfaces. Once these holes are made, they will spray encapsulation agents into the holes. After the spraying process is complete, the walls and other surfaces will be sealed and painted once again to prevent any further exposure to lead hazards.

Another method used by companies that specialize in the removal of lead is referred to as "clearing." Cleanup companies usually perform this method when homeowners notice elevated dust levels in their homes after cleaning or vacuuming. High airborne dust can cause breathing problems and can also make individuals feel uncomfortable and with a "pins and needles" sensation on their skin. With this method of lead removal, homeowners are not to breathe in any dust while their carpets, upholstery, window sills and other areas are being cleaned. However, some cleanup companies do not allow homeowners to enter the home while the cleaning process is in progress, so it's important to ask ahead of time if this option is available.

Once a home has been deemed safe for the removal of lead based paint, another method of reducing the amount of exposure to the chemical is through the use of low-level paint cleaners. Low-level paint cleaners are designed to break down the chemicals that form when paint is dry, as well as eliminate lead particles that may still be attached to the paint. The chemicals used in low level paint cleaners are derived from organic or inorganic sources. They may also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to contribute to the development of indoor air pollution.

For example, VOCs are found in paints, varnishes, adhesives, floor wax, and other products. In addition, VOCs are present in cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust, flue gas, and other sources. Because VOCs evaporate easily, they tend to get into the atmosphere easily and are therefore considered to be a threat to public health and safety. As such, abatement professionals commonly use EPA-approved anti-VOC agents to reduce the health risks of lead encapsulation to property owners.

Unfortunately, not all property owners are aware of their legal rights under EPA regulations regarding the safe removal of lead hazards from their buildings. Because of this, many property owners choose to attempt to clean the lead hazards on their own, which can be dangerous and problematic. To make matters worse, abatement professionals typically charge an exorbitant fee to do the job right. This not only discourages potential clients from attempting to remove lead hazards on their own, but also serves to underline just how dangerous the task is. However, abatement professionals have a few tips for property owners to remember prior to hiring a contractor to perform the task. Following these suggestions will help you get rid of your lead hazards without spending a fortune.

First and foremost, abatement professionals advise that property owners remove leaded window sills, cabinets, and floors immediately. Removing these vulnerable components is important as removing them reduces the amount of lead dust present in the air. Lead dust can exacerbate respiratory problems and increase the damage done to leaded glass by abatement professionals. Next, if lead particles are present in the air or on the surfaces inside the house, abatement professionals recommend using HEPA filters on the vacuum cleaner and wiping down all kitchen countertops and appliances with a commercial cleaner designed to remove lead particles. Finally, it is advised that all house occupants clean all window sills and cabinets with a commercial cleaner specifically designed to remove lead particles.