How To Clean Up Lead Dust | American Air Testing (2024)

Lead dust is created from from the door or window parts that rub against each other. See the rub marks on the old door and frame above for an example. For example where the door rubs the frame. In older homes and child care facilities these areas probably have layers of lead-based paint. As the doors and windows rub against their frames, dust is created. This dust contains microscopic lead.

If you like you may use a damp with water paper towel. For safety, be sure to dry the area completely after cleaning.

Lead-based paint is probably in all homes built before 1978 and that have not been substantially remodeled (all doors, door frames, windows, window frames). San Francisco has many old buildings. It’s critical that if you think you may have lead dust and your children, especially under 7, that you use the Swiffer mop/Lysol wipe method or damp paper towel method (be sure to wipe the floor dry after this cleanup so no one falls) to clean daily where the dust from the friction points on doors and windows with wooden frames, especially the sills.

Also, lead-based paint can be found outside on porches and decks. And in soil next to lead chips from lead-based paint.

Painting over lead-based paint with paint made today, will not completely fix the problem. You should consult/hire an RRP certified painting contractor to stabilize the area. Be sure to use that word: “stabilize”.

There are other types of paints, usually referred to as encapsulants, that will eventually flake or rub off at friction points, and then you have the same problem; though maybe a bit less. EPA wants 0% lead-based paint dust in homes with children. Realistically, let’s all work together to do what is possible and clean up the dust to keep our children safe.

Can You Paint Over Lead Paint Safely?

Painting over lead-based paint, called encapsulation, can seal in the lead if done properly. But follow key steps to avoid lead exposure risks.

Painting over lead paint with standard paints doesn’t make it safe. Use special “encapsulant” coatings after testing to confirm lead is contained with the encapsulant material.

Never sand or scrape lead paint as this releases toxic dust. Wear protective gear and avoid spreading dust. Block access to work areas and run HEPA air filters.

Never use a torch to bubble the paint for removal.

Use only EPA approved encapsulants for lead-based paint. This is a very important rule. Choose epoxy, polymer or cement encapsulants designed to seal lead behind a protective membrane. Hardware stores carry them. Follow manufacturer guidelines closely.

Encapsulation is cheaper and safer than lead paint removal. But it’s not foolproof, especially on friction surfaces like doors or floors. For badly deteriorated lead paint, hire certified abatement pros.

Take safety precautions when encapsulating lead yourself. But for full compliance with EPA rules on lead work, hire certified Lead RRP contractors. Protect your family by keeping remediation work lead-safe.

You can remove the building material that contains lead-based paint, but that is seldom practical. Paint stabilization is covering the lead-based paint with an imperviable layer, keeping children safe. Paint stabilization should be done by a licensed professional.

Here are a few of the different methods used:

• Encapsulation – Applying a special coating or sealant that bonds to the lead paint and prevents it from deteriorating
• Enclosure – Covering lead paint with drywall, paneling, plywood or other durable material to seal it off
• Component replacement – Removing lead painted items like windows and doors and replacing them with new lead-free components
• Paint removal – Using chemical strippers or other methods to carefully remove lead paint so the surface can be repainted
• Soil removal and replacement – Digging up and removing contaminated soil and replacing with clean fill dirt
• Barrier installation – Adding removable barriers like plastic sheets, rubber mats, or floor coverings to prevent lead dust spread
• Abatement – Permanently eliminating the lead hazard by removing, sealing or enclosing all identified lead paint

Any major lead paint stabilization should be conducted using lead-safe practices by certified Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) contractors. Ongoing cleaning and monitoring is still important after stabilization.

If you have elevated levels of lead in your soil that require action, here are a few of the methods. Your lead professional will advise you on the most appropriate method for your area.

Mulching – Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch or wood chips over contaminated soil prevents lead dust and reduces exposure.
Planting – Grass, bushes, trees or vegetable gardens planted in contaminated soil can reduce lead dust and accessibility.
Hardscaping – Covering soil with solid materials like pavers, concrete, gravel or asphaltwalkways. This seals the lead in.
Raised garden beds – Building raised planting beds with clean soil imported on top of contaminated soil if gardening is desired.
Soil removal and replacement – Digging up contaminated soil and replacing it with imported clean fill dirt.
Sodding – Placing rolls of sod over contaminated soil can reduce dust and accessibility.
Barrier installation – Solid barriers like fencing, landscaping walls or plastic sheeting can seal off and contain lead tainted soil.
Soil cultivation – Tilling and turning over soil can dilute lead concentrations in the topmost layer.

Any substantial soil remediation should involve testing to identify all contaminated areas. Ongoing lead safety monitoring is also important after stabilization steps are taken.