True/False Questions On Lead Paint

The only way that I can tell if someone in my family is lead poisoned is by a blood test.
True. Sometimes there are no symptoms of lead poisoning at all, or the symptoms can be mistaken for common illnesses.A blood test is the only way to be sure.

House paint no longer contains lead, so it's not a problem.
False. Because household paint before the 1970's often contained lead, it may still pose a problem. As lead paint ages, it can chip or crumble into dust. Exposure to lead paint dust or chips can cause serious health problems, especially to children and pregnant women. So, if you live in or own and older home, you need to know how to protect yourself and others.

You can tell by looking if paint contains lead .
False. The only way to be sure if paint contains lead is to have it tested by a qualified professional. Home test kits are not reliable, and can't tell you whether the paint poses a risk.

Some methods of removing lead-based paint actually do more harm than good.
True. Some methods, such as dry sanding, dry scraping, torching, or power sanding can create huge amounts of lead dust. Once the dust is released into the home it can make occupants sick if it enter the body. Always use a method that creates the least amount of dust and fumes.

Preparing to do the job is as important as the methods used to do it.
True. It's important to take certain precautions to protect your family. Children and pregnant women should leave the work area. Remove all furnishings (even rugs, if possible) before beginning. The work area should be sealed with plastic and taped down to keep the lead dust in. Cover air vents and turn off heaters and air conditioning systems during renovation and remodeling.

A dust mask will protect you from breathing lead dust.
False. A dust mask is not sufficient. It is best to wear a properly fitted respirator with special with special lead (HEPA) filters. Coveralls, goggles and gloves are also important to wearBthrow them away when the work is done, or wash them separately. Do not eat, smoke or drink in the work area.

Besides removing lead paint, there are other ways to protect my family from lead dust .
True. One way to prevent exposure to lead is to cover the surface with a new one, such as drywall. Sometimes the best choice is to replace an item such as a window or a door containing lead paint.

Scraping and sanding are acceptable methods for removing lead-based paint.
True. Yes, but never without wetting down the surface as you work. Keep a spray bottle of water handy. Wet power sanding is also okay if a special lead (HEPA) filter is attached. Heat stripping can be dangerous, and should only be done by a professional. When removing paint on the outside of your home, never sand blast or power wash.

Vacuuming with a household vacuum is the best way to clean up lead dust after a household project.
False. Standard household or shop vacuums should not be used because they put lead dust into the air. HEPA vacuums (with special lead filters) are the best. Floors should be wet mopped with a heavy duty household cleaner such an automatic dishwashing detergent and then HEPA vacuumed. Plastic should be rolled and any construction debris wrapped in plastic. After cleaning the work area, remove coveralls and other protective clothing for disposal or separate washing.

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