Homeowners Encouraged to Inspect for Lead-Based Paint
Before Renovation and Remodeling Projects

      DENVER—Challenging economic times can lead homeowners to choose remodeling and renovation over a move. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is urging homeowners to work safely when choosing to either do it themselves or hire a contractor, especially when it comes to lead-based paint.

      “Painting or remodeling a home built before 1978 can disturb lead-based paint and endanger young children,” said Dr. Ned Calonge, the state’s chief medical officer. “Lead exposure can cause lifelong learning and behavior problems. We encourage people living in older homes that could have lead-based paint to learn the facts so they can protect themselves and their families.”

      The week of October 18 is National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The primary exposure to lead among children is through lead-based paint.

      Lead-based paint was banned in 1978. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, including the majority of homes built before 1960. Lead-based paint can be present on any painted surface, but most often is found on windows, trims, doors, railings, columns, porches and outside walls. Surfaces that have been repainted may have layers of lead-based paint underneath.

      “Conducting a lead inspection before beginning a renovation project can tell a homeowner where lead paint is located,” said David Willer, an environmental protection specialist at the department. “A certified lead inspector will inspect all painted surfaces and provide hazard control options that will make a home safer, if lead hazards are identified.”

       The department keeps a list of certified lead inspectors/risk assessors on its Web site at eb site at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/leadhome.html.

       Sanding, scraping or otherwise disturbing lead-based paint can release large amounts of toxic lead dust. This dust, which may not be visible, can settle on floors and other surfaces where it gets on children’s hands and into their mouths. The only way to know for certain if a surface has been coated with lead-based paint is to test for it.

      “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a simple, seven-step process that will help homeowners considering ‘do-it-yourself’ renovation, repair or painting projects,” Willer said. “It provides instructions on setting up jobs safely, minimizing the creation of dangerous lead dust and leaving the work area clean and safe after completing the job. If contractors are hired, they should be informing homeowners of their plans for addressing potential lead hazards and should be providing EPA’s Renovate Right brochure.”

      Homeowners can find details of the seven-step process at http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/steps.pdf.

       Starting in April 2010, the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule will require contractors performing work that disturbs lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be EPA-certified to work with lead-based paint, and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

      As a reminder to parents this Halloween, the Colorado Lead Coalition has Trick-or-Treat bags available that include helpful hints and reminders about lead-based paint and a phone number to call with questions.

      “With Halloween this year coming on the heels of National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and safety always being a chief concern among parents when their kids are out trick-or-treating, it was a natural opportunity for us to remind them of a preventable hazard right in the home,” Willer said.

      Individuals/groups interested in obtaining some free trick-or-treat bags (limit 15 per individual and 50 per group while supplies last) should contact the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division at 303-692-3150.