Renovating a Pre-1978 House

A federal law has been passed requiring builders to be lead paint renovation certified before commencing any work to be done on a pre-1978 renovation. This law takes effect nation wide as of April 22, 2010. In North Carolina it has already taken effect as of January 1, 2010.
As a residential house and remodel designer, I felt it to be very important to obtain this certification to familiarize myself with exactly what the builders will be required to do. This has a two fold advantage. One, I can pre-test the home prior to the design phase and help my client choose the right builders to perform the work. Two, I know the proper procedures and precautions that must be taken to protect the home owners family and workers on site from exposure to lead dust.
During the certification class we learned of the effects of lead paint dust and how they affect our brain. Heavy metals in your blood system are not good at all. They could cause irrational thoughts and long lasting behavioral changes in most adults and greatly damage brain development in young children. The lead could stay in your system for upwards of thirty years. Studies have proven that the body stores lead and treats it as if it were calcium. Because of this pregnant women exposed to lead dust could pass lead directly to their fetus years after exposure. Our instructor used an example of how much lead dust it would take to harm a six year old child. The amount of dust was on fingertip.
Remodeling a lead positive house safely is not a difficult task. It just takes a few extra precautions. Workers will have to use plastic barriers in any area of work to catch any lead chips or dust to prevent contamination of other areas of the house. The HVAC system will have to closed and sealed during construction. All effected areas will have to be wet sanded and cleaned with the proper HEPA filter vacuums. The construction area will also have to be taped off and warning signs will have to be displayed to avoid any accidental contamination from unauthorized personnel.
If you are thinking about remodeling your pre-1978 house make sure your house is properly tested and that the contractor you choose to do the work is certified in lead renovations if your house tests positive. Even if you’re simply repainting your home, old painters tarps have been tested to have high levels of lead dust contamination. Make sure your painter in using new plastic drops to error on the side of caution.
If you have any questions about a future remodel please feel free to call Kevin Holdridge at KDH Residential Design, LLC. (704) 909-2755.