How to Solve a Lead-Paint Problem

Determine if you have lead paint

• 1

  Test painted surfaces for lead. You can rely on positive results from chemical lead-test kits, but if you get a negative result, collect and send samples to a lab for testing or have a professional test using an X-ray fluorescence machine.

• 2

  Inform yourself! Start by reading "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" and "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home." Call the National Lead Information Service at (800) 424-5323 or download these brochures at www.epa.gov/lead.

Limit contamination during projects

• 3

  Turn off air-conditioning and forced-air heating systems.

• 4

  Move everything you can out of the work area. Cover and seal in plastic anything you can't move. For example, move furnishings out of a room and cover the floor with plastic.

• 5

  Seal the work area with plastic and duct tape.

• 6

  Take steps to control dust, such as misting work surfaces with water.

Clean up and retest

• 7

  To clean, you will need a vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, buckets, disposal bags and more. Test for lead again after completing a major project.

Protect your health

• 8

  Keep away everyone who does not need to be in the work area, especially children and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to lead contamination.

• 9

  Wear personal protection gear, including, for example, a respirator with HEPA filters that's approved by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), protective clothing and goggles.