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In addition to the day-to-day steps outlined in the previous section, you can prevent lead poisoning by using either interim controls, abatement, or both.

• Interim controls. Interim controls are treatments that temporarily reduce the risk of exposure to lead hazards. For example, you can repair damaged painted surfaces or plant grass to cover soil.
• Abatement. Abatement is the permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards. The four methods below are for abatement of structural components in housing.
  • Replacement. The removal of lead-painted items — such as windows, doors, and trim — and the installation of new, lead-free items.
  • Enclosure. The covering of lead-painted surfaces with a stiff material — such as paneling or wallboard — to prevent lead dust from getting into the environment. Enclosure also prevents contact with the lead-based paint.
  • Encapsulation. The covering of lead-painted surfaces with a special liquid coating. Once it dries, the coating prevents contact with the lead-based paint and the spread of lead dust.
  • Paint removal. The removal of paint done either in your home or at a paint stripping facility. Methods often used include wet scraping, wet planing, or chemical stripping.

You can perform many simple interim controls yourself, but — because performing an abatement can be dangerous — only a certified contractor should perform an abatement. Call your state lead contact or the HUD Lead Listing at (888) LEAD-LIST for a list of certified contractors in your area.

Q. What is the difference between interim controls and abatement?

A. Interim controls temporarily reduce lead hazards. They may solve the problem, at least until the condition of the affected area worsens. If that happens, the hazard needs to be reevaluated. Abatement permanently eliminates the lead hazard.

It is very important to care for the lead-painted surfaces in your home. Lead-based paint in good condition is usually not harmful.

What Causes Lead Dust?

Certain household activities are likely to disturb lead-painted surfaces and contaminate dust, including repeatedly opening and closing windows and bumping furniture or other objects against painted walls. Dust can also become contaminated during many home improvement.

These activities include:

• Nailing, drilling, or screwing into lead-painted surfaces.
• Prying painted surfaces apart.
• Cutting, sawing, or chopping lead-painted surfaces.
• Tearing out walls.
• Making holes in walls or ceilings to access pipes or install electrical outlets.
• Scraping, sanding, brushing, or using a heat gun on painted surfaces before repainting. Heat guns should not be warmed above 1100° F. If heated above this temperature, lead-based paint can give off toxic fumes.

Although the lead-based paint in your home may be in good condition, if it is on a surface that is often rubbed, bumped, or chewed, it can easily peel and flake and can be harmful.

Follow three important rules when dealing with lead-based paint:

• Do not dry scrape or sand most lead-painted surfaces. Instead, wet scrape areas by misting the surface with water before and during scraping. Limit dry scraping to areas that cannot get wet, such as those around electrical outlets.
• Try to control dust during work on lead-painted surfaces by using the equipment and following the precautions listed.
• Use a wet sponge or a mister to dampen and wipe down surfaces when cleaning. Never dry sweep or dust lead-painted surfaces.

There are ways to clean your home that will help you reduce or prevent your family's exposure to lead dust. Here are some tips on how to clean and how not to clean your home. It's best to follow these steps weekly.

Do use:
Damp or wet mopping.

Standard sponge or string type mops and an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.

Standard vacuum cleaners if no visible dust or debris from chipping or flaking paint is present.

Don't use:
Mops with a scrubber strip attached.

Powered buffing or polishing machines.

Vacuums with beater bars that may wear away the painted surface.

Do use:
Wet scrubbing methods to remove stains.

Steam cleaning methods.

Standard vacuum cleaners if no visible dust or debris from chipping or flaking paint is present.

Don't use:
Dry sweeping of surface dust and debris.

Shaking or beating of carpets and rugs.

Do use:
Soft cloths to wet wipe walls.

All-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.

Don't use:
Steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive cleaners.

Solvent cleaners that may dissolve paint.

Do use:
Soft cloths.

All-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.

Don't use:
Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads.

Solvent cleaners that may dissolve the paint.

Excessive rubbing of spots to remove them.

Do use:
Disposable, non-abrasive dusting cloths or dusters.

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