Until the 1970s, lead was a common component in paint and plumbing fixtures, but now that people know about the hazards of lead, removing lead from projects is the challenge to protect the safety and health of children in particular. Even though the government banned lead paint in 1978, it remains in approximately 24 million housing units, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure to lead paint can cause learning disabilities, and at toxic levels, lead can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Lead removal contractors must have proper training to remove lead, understand the precautions they must take to prevent exposure to themselves and occupants of the building. They must learn to use lead abatement equipment and lead removal supplies to safely remove the contamination. Contractors must receive licensing from the state to perform lead abatement and removal.

For information on lead abatement and removal training, consider the following steps.

1. Understand the requirements for lead abatement contractors as required by government regulations.

2. Take advantage of training classes offered by state organizations.

3. Look for lead abatement training courses offered by state universities and other environmental organizations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the training requirements for lead abatement contractors

Lead abatement contractors generally do not need education beyond a high school diploma to perform the work. However, they must undergo 40 hours or more of training from an Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)-approved source in order to become certified.

I recommend: The Vet Success website of the U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs describes the skills and training required to become a lead abatement professional. The Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles data and training requirements for lead removal workers.

Contact state organizations for lead abatement training classes

Each state offers its own lead removal training for contractors. All lead abatement training programs must meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

I recommend: Pennsylvania Lead Abatement Training is a training program for Pennsylvania state employees. The Virginia Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulation lists lead-based paint abatement training courses.

Use training resources from specialists at universities and lead removal companies

Lead abatement training classes are easy to find at state universities. Environmental training companies can offer training and consulting services to companies that need lead abatement and removal education and training.

I recommend: Oregon State University offers lead abatement classes as well as lead abatement refresher training. Meta Worldwide is an environmental training company offering more than a dozen OSHA-approved Lead Paint Courses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you keep up with the changes in the lead abatement business. As we become more aware of the effects of lead on the health of children, government regulations will evolve as well as the requirements for training.

Lead abatement and removal are often necessary in small projects, like refinishing an old chair, as well as larger remodeling jobs when older lead pipe or lead windows need to be removed. If it's a task you feel you can't or shouldn't handle on your own, a lead removal company can take care of it for you. It is worth having a professional handle big jobs--especially since improper lead abatement and disposal can lead to serious health problems.

Consider the following for lead abatement projects:

1. The scope of the lead removal

2. Cost of lead removal supplies, equipment or contracting

3. Approved disposal methods

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

A lead removal company could provide the best solution

For small jobs, it may be that you can stabilize the lead and avoid lead removal products and services all together. Encapsulation, the process of trapping in lead dust by applying a coating to the surface of whatever it is that contains lead, is often the solution. If it's a bigger job, like removing lead-containing plumbing, your contractor may be able to do it or recommend a service that can do the job for you.

I recommend: Encapsulation products are available through companies like ACE Coating Co., Inc. ThomasNet lists lead abatement and removal specialists by state and includes a brief description of services for each specialist.

Lead abatement supplies are the key to protection

If you want to be positive that it's lead you need to remove, several companies offer lead testing kits, either online or through your local home improvement store. Lead removal contractors and individuals alike need personal protection and equipment. Head to toe coverage is best so factor in the cost of hair protection, goggles, gloves, boot covers and chemical suits. Larger lead abatement equipment like dust vacuums are usually used by lead removal contractors but there are companies online who provide quotes and information on equipment for those wanting to make the financial commitment.

I recommend: Abotex Enterprises Limited sells lead testing kits. Review application-specific testing procedures. Curtain-Wall offers a full line of protective gear as well as small lead abatement equipment like vacuums for both individuals and professionals.

Proper disposal is just as important as proper lead removal

There are approved landfills and containers recommended for lead disposal. Lead containing debris must be put into heavy-duty plastic bags while bigger items must be covered and transported in a vehicle. There are major health risks, especially for children, associated with lead exposure and improper lead disposal. Some forms of lead, including lead pipes, can be recycled for scrap metal. Your local health department will have a list of lead recyclers and landfills approved for disposing of lead.

I recommend: Lakeshore Environmental Contractors, LLC outlines a plan for both lead abatement and lead disposal and includes a list of common lead-containing items. Health Guide USA provides contact information for local health departments throughout the country. Waste Management, one of the biggest solid waste removal companies in the U.S., features a dropdown menu to help you search for a lead-approved landfill or transfer station in your area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  One of the most common methods of lead exposure is the inhalation of lead dust. Always wear a mask when removing lead.

Removing lead is a hazardous job, and being aware of the terms and entities involved in the process will help you safely prepare for the project. Lead paint abatement should always be done only after you have checked with your local health department for guidelines. Even then, you should consider hiring a contractor. If possible, it is always best to let a certified professional do the work. Regardless of who handles the job, make sure all of the proper safety precautions are taken for your family or clients, and make sure that proper follow-up testing is done to make sure the abatement was successful. Learn more about these key terms: abatement, encapsulation,methylene chloride,
HEPA vacuum, paint chalking and the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Abatement

Abatement is the removal of lead-based paints through a heat gun, chemical means, removing or replacing its components, scraping it off or using an encapsulating material.

I recommend: Learn more about lead-abatement processes from Homeguard Environmental.

Encapsulation

Encapsulation of lead-based paint as a removal method involves painting or applying a liquid, durable or rigid material to cover the original paint. It is an option where the original paint is still intact and is a less expensive option than sanding or scraping.

I recommend: Find out from PB Gast about the encapsulation process.

Methylene chloride

Do not use chemical removers that contain methylene chloride for lead abatement. Methylene chloride is common in general paint strippers.

I recommend: Heed the warnings of the Rhode Island Department of Health on not using methylene chloride-based paint strippers to remove lead-based paint.

HEPA vacuum

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums have a special filter that traps the lead dust particles.

I recommend: Learn more about HEPA vacuums from the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Paint chalking

Paint chalking is just as hazardous as peeling, chipping or cracking when it comes to lead-based paints. It is when a fine powder residue develops on your painted surface.

I recommend: Learn about paint chalking from House-Painting-Info.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees established contractor guidelines for lead-based paint removal.

I recommend: Learn HUD's stance on lead-based paint and what needs to be done about it.

Lead abatement and removal can be a very tricky process with a fine line between safely removing old lead in walls, floors or paint and causing serious safety hazards. Whether you plan on removing the lead yourself or you are looking for a certified contractor to handle the abatement process, safety should always be your first priority.

Many lead abatement and removal safety guidelines recommend, and some require, the process be handled by a certified contractor. If you are handling a smaller project like old paint removal, there are still many safety precautions to consider. Start by:

1. Learning about the safe removal of lead paint.

2. Finding a certified lead abatement contractor to handle bigger jobs.

3. Buying proper equipment for do-it-yourself lead abatement jobs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find safety information for removing lead paint

Even removing a small amount of lead paint without following the proper safety precautions can cause serious health threats to those exposed to the area. Before doing any lead abatement, including paint removal, review and follow lead removal training and safety guidelines.

I recommend: Read the lead paint removal guide at the Bob Vila website. Follow procedures recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency on lead paint in the home. Use the information provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to find out more about lead paint before trying to remove any from a home or office.

Hire lead removal contractors to handle the lead abatement process

Find certified lead removal companies with years of experience in the abatement process to assure your office building, home or plant is safely renovated. Abatement of lead in large, public areas should also always be done by trained professionals that have the proper equipment and safety training. Professional contractors will usually request that no one else be in the area during the lead removal process to assure the least amount of people are exposed to the lead being removed.

I recommend: Hire the Layton Company to remove lead in the workplace or home. They also handle asbestos, mold and other dangerous contaminates. Get connected with a certified lead abatement contractor in your area through the EnvironmentalCare.net website.

Use proper lead abatement supplies when handling removal on your own

For smaller jobs you decide to do on your own, lead abatement equipment is available to assure the job is done safely. Make sure the equipment is certified safe, and follow all directions that come with the product to maintain a safe abatement process.

I recommend: Safe Encasement Systems provides lead abatement systems and products to make the removal process a safe one. They also offer several articles on safe lead abatement. FiberLock Technologies also sells lead abatement products.