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| Lead-based paint |
Lead paint is hazardous! If your leftover paint was purchased before 1980, it may contain lead. You can bring unused lead paint to a household hazardous waste collection site. You must follow special precautions to remove lead paint.
Special cautions for lead-based paint
Exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. It's important to follow proper procedures to keep yourself and your family safe when removing lead-based paint. Before beginning work, learn about the hazards of lead-based paint and procedures for lead abatement.
To find out more about how to protect children from lead poisoning, contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-LEAD-FYI (1-800-532-3394).
For other information on the hazards of lead, call 1-800-424-LEAD.
If you hire a contractor, ask what training they have in lead-based paint removal. If possible, toddlers and pregnant women should remain out of homes during paint removal and remodeling if lead-based paint will be disturbed or removed. Remove rugs, furniture, and curtains before working. Carpets that cannot be moved should be covered with a non-stick tarp and sealed with duct tape at the edges.
Seal off the work area from the rest of the house to avoid tracking in dust from the remodeled area. Use a high-quality dust mask and a water spray bottle when removing old or peeling paint. Keep the work wet. Do not use power sanders or heat guns to remove lead-based paint. Clean up dust at the end of each working day. After the job is finished and all cleanup is completed, test the home for lead to determine that it is safe for pregnant women and children to occupy. |
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| More Information |
| Home maintenance - NLM/NIH Household Products Database |
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