Don't Spread the Lead

So you buy your first house, and you are all set and ready to do some home projects on your own. Painting that living and dining room to spruce it up is top priority! But what you should try to remember is that more often than not houses, even those meticulously maintained, have lead paint somewhere inside or out if was built before 1978. 1978 was actually not that long ago when you consider that Massachusetts has homes ranging back to the 1700s! Once you start prepping that room you are at risk for spreading lead poisoning through dust particles that can be dangerous to children and yourself as well. Working lead safe is actually easy by following some easy steps outlined in a booklet by the New England Lead Coordinating Committee. It’s a good idea to download the booklet to keep your family safe, and if you are hiring a contractor of any kind to be sure they are lead certified. According to the NELCC there are 5 important steps to consider before you do any work in a home that may contain lead.

1. Protect your family and your neighbors from lead dust. Keep pets and people out of the work area as they can track lead dust on their shoes or paws while entering or exiting the room.
2. Properly prepare your work area. Keep all windows and doors closed so that no dust can escape. Remove all furniture that could possibly trap any lead dust that people and children may ingest while sitting on after the room is complete.
3. Protect yourself as well as others from lead dust if you are the one doing the work. This can be achieved by wearing the appropriate safety gear gloves etc... And by using proper clean up tools.
4. Working in a wet environment. Please don’t spray a hose around indoors however using a spray bottle to keep surfaces wet will reduce lead dust from circulating.
5. Work Clean. Keep all dust created inside the work area, and be sure to properly clean at the end of each day even if the project is not finished.

The bottom line here is being safe can easily be achieved by keeping to some primary safety rules. The above mentioned are just some tips that scratch the surface on lead safety!

written by Heidi Zizza Realtor mdm realty inc. www.metrowesthomesandlife.com