There is a strong chance that your house contains lead-based paint if it was built before 1978. If you’re hiring a contractor, the old paint will likely be disturbed. The dust created by normal preparation procedures can be very harmful to those who come into contact with it. In fact, dust is the most common way that people are exposed to lead. Lead is especially harmful to children, but it is also harmful to adults and even pets.
Importance of Hiring a Professional
Hiring a certified contractor is of the utmost importance. This is due to the harmful side effects that can result from lead. In particular, exposure to lead can affect children’s developing brains and nervous systems, in the worst cases causing learning disabilities and/or behavioral problems. For adults, low levels of lead are related to high blood pressure and hypertension.
If you suspect your home may contain lead, contact a certified professional who can verify the presence of lead-based paint. Only contractors certified by the EPA or their state’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program are legally permitted to work on homes where normal preparation procedures may disturb the old lead paint and create harmful dust. EPA Lead-Safe certified painting contractors are trained in the proper procedures. This is to minimize lead exposure. Techniques such fully covering areas with plastic, utilizing a dust-free vacuum, and making sure all workers wear protective suits should be used. When obtaining a bid from a contractor for lead-safe work there are a few things to check for. You should always go over the details of the bid to make sure they have included preparation they will complete to minimize lead hazards and confine all lead dust to the work area. Although this extensive prep may cost more than your average painting job, it is well worth it for the safety of your family.
Verifying Certification
Again, the painter you hire must be a lead-safe certified contractor. To verify a contractor’s certification visit epa.gov/getleadsafe, or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). The state of Washington is authorized to administer its own Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program. To verify a contractor’s status in Washington (including that of Sound Painting Solutions), contact the Washington State Department of Commerce at lbpinfo@commerce.wa.gov or 360-586-5323 (LEAD). For reference, our company’s certification number is R1641.