Lead-Based Paint Removal

Sealing off the Area

• Seal off the work area where you are removing the lead paint so that the dust does not enter into other rooms, where children and pets might inhale the dust. Seal off heating and ventilation ducts so that the dust does not escape to a different room through that passage.

Protecting Room Objects

• Remove anything you can from the room, since the lead paint residue can get on to furniture and other objects, where children and pets can accidentally consume the chips. Anything you can't remove, cover with plastic. Secure the plastic to the floor so that the plastic does not rise up, creating a passageway through which the paint dust can travel.

Protective Gear

• You must wear a respirator, since dust may be inhaled. Also, wear disposable clothing and shoes. Try to avoid exposing skin, especially your eyes and hair. Wear goggles and ear coverings.

Isolating Lead Paint

• If you can isolate the lead paint area, do not bother removing it. Instead, install drywall or cover with vinyl or aluminum. Tell any future occupants of the building that lead paint is behind the safe surfaces. Another option is to use a special type of paint that binds with the lead paint and prevents the lead from getting into the air.

Wire Abrasion and Sanding

• In the short run, replacement is dangerous. However, replacement provides the best long-term solution. One way to remove the lead paint is to cover the paint with an abrasive chemical and use a wire brush to scrape the paint off the wall. Some stores sell kits with all of these materials, designed specifically for removing lead paint. Sanding has a high likelihood of creating lead paint dust. Therefore, professionals should use sanders with HEPA filters that can suck up the dust.

Paint Strippers

• Some manufacturers release special lead paint strippers that can make the lead paint less hazardous upon contact. While workers still need to take precautions, these types of strippers can further reduce risk.

Heat Stripping

• Heat stripping uses a heat gun around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit to melt off the lead paint. This creates a lot of hazardous fumes and presents a major fire hazard, but professionals know how to safely remove paint using this process.