How to Remove Lead Paint. For anyone preparing to remove paint from a house that is more than 30 years old, there's a good chance your walls contain lead. Before you begin stripping loose paint that could be potentially hazardous, several safety measures must be followed to ensure that the paint poses no health problems.
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Step 1
Purchase a test kit to determine if your paint contains lead. If you are stripping more than one layer of paint, be sure to test each layer.
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Step 2
Wear protective clothing when stripping lead paint. Be sure to wear a respirator, protective eyewear, gloves and disposable clothing. Likewise, be sure to wash thoroughly after each time you work around lead paint.
Step 3
Consider using a chemical stripper. This allows you to have more control over the area in which you are working.
Step 4
Hire a professional. Removing lead paint is hazardous to adults, children and pets. If you decide to hire an agency to remove any paint, be sure to discuss their policies and procedures for removing lead paint.
Tip
Lead-based paints can cause severe neurological and organ damage. It can also cause behavioral problems in children and reduce intelligence. If working outside, be sure to cover the ground with drop cloths to catch any falling paint. Lead paint can leech into the soil and cause contamination.
Warning
Always dispose of toxic lead paint at an approved facility. Never sand lead paint or use a hot gun to remove the paint from walls. Doing so can release lead dust and fumes into the air, which can be breathed in and is harmful to your lungs. Always choose the safest method of removing lead paint, which creates the least amount of dust and fumes.