Home Renovations May Cause Lead Exposure
/Before doing any remodeling to your home, it is imperative you take proper steps to avoid lead exposure to you and your family.
According to the CDC, "approximately 24 million housing units have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust."
If your home was built before 1978, and you have cracked or peeling paint, especially around windowsills, your children could be at risk.
The EPA found that, "Common renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint (like sanding, cutting, replacing windows, and more) can create hazardous lead dust and chips which can be harmful to adults and children."
This lead dust is often invisible and if ingested by a young child, the long-term damage is often dramatic and irreparable.
Federal law requires contractors performing renovation that disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 where children under the age of six reside, must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.