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Was your home built before 1978? Here is what you need to know.

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Lead is a heavy metal that was commonly used in interior and exterior paint in homes built before 1978 until the Federal Government banned its use due to health risks. Children 6 and under and pregnant women are at the highest risk for lead toxicity.  It is now required by law that any contractors disturbing lead paint be certified by the EPA and follow specific work practices to prevent lead paint dust contamination to the home. To view Ideal Carpentry's EPA Certification ask James on site. 

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What is the process for lead abatement?

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When we come to your home to view your project as part of the estimate process James will take several samples of the paint in the area being renovated to test for lead if your home was built before 1978. If any test is positive, during the demolition phase you will not be able to enter the work area. Our staff will install plastic walls to seal off the renovation area from the rest of the home and cover all air registers. We then demo the area in the proper masks and suits and bag and disposed of all debris per EPA guidelines. The work area is then vacuumed and cleaned with a high quality HEPA vacuum to take care of any lead dust created during demolition. All the plastic walls separating the renovation area from the rest of your home will remain until the completion of the project but you will be able to enter the work area after all lead have been removed and the work area thoroughly cleaned. Upon completion of your renovation a white glove test is preformed to ensure no residual lead dust remains and you can breath easy knowing your family is safe.     

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More resources

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For more information on lead paint and lead paint abatement please visit the links below. If you have any further questions please call James at at (253) 720-7704 or email james@ideal-carpentry.com. 

https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead
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https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-09/documents/lead_in_your_home_brochure_book_b_w_508.pdf

http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Contaminants/Lead

​http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/

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