Lead Programs

Through our Lead Abatement program we can help qualifying Brockton area  homeowners to correct common maintenance-related lead violations and enhance the safety, appearance, maintenance and value of the property. Eligible measures include:

• Scraping and repainting exterior surfaces
• Covering exterior surfaces with aluminum or vinyl
• Replacing exterior porches and stairs
• Covering walls and ceilings with paneling or plasterboard

What is Lead Paint Abatement?

Lead paint abatement is the process of safely reducing lead paint hazards. Lead paint abatement can be very dangerous if done improperly. It’s best to hire professional contractors to remove lead paint from your home. If abatement work is done improperly, a greater lead hazard may be created. Before beginning any work, contact your local health department for guidelines and state and local regulations regarding lead paint abatement in Massachusetts and in your city or town.You may also request a listing of Massachusetts-certified lead abatement contractors. If at all possible, hire a certified professional to do the work. Check their qualifications and request references.

A Starting Point Use this information as a starting point to learn the basics about abatement, especially if you are considering doing any home remodeling or renovation projects yourself. If hiring a contractor, make sure he/she is taking the necessary precautions to protect your family’s health and safety. This pamphlet will provide you with some basic principles about lead paint abatement.

Before Abatement Begins: Safety First

• Have all family members, especially children, tested for lead poisoning.

• Have your home inspected for lead poisoning by a professional contractor.Your local health department can help you find this information.

• Relocate children and pregnant women that may be poisoned until after the work is completed.

• Be sure to post warning signs at all entrances to the work area.

• Seal off all doors, windows, ducts, etc., with 6-mil plastic sheeting.

• Remove all furniture, carpets, drapes, etc.

• Cover everything that remains with plastic drop cloths. Do not use newspaper or fabric drop cloths

. • Limit access to the work area. No one must enter without proper protective equipment.

• If any part of a surface (window sill, door jamb), contains lead paint, the entire surface must beabated. This is especially true for chipping and flaking paint.

• Select the abatement method that will create the least amount of dust.

• Use adequate barriers to prevent lead dust from entering the rest of the environment. Do not usepaper wall coverings, contact paper, or fresh paint as these are not durable barriers.

• DO NOT dry scrape; sand with a power grinder or electric plane; burn with a torch or a heat gun;sandblast; or use chemical removers that contain methylene chloride. CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION

Common Abatement Methods

Enclosure is the easiest method. Lead paint iscovered with flexible wall covering, paneling or gypsum board. Enclosure works best on large, flat surfaces that are not subject to friction.

Paint Removal may be done on or off the work-site. On-site paint removal often creates large amounts of lead dust, fumes and mists. This is best left to the professionals.

Replacement involves removing the object coated with lead paint entirely and replacing it with new material. It’s one of the best methods for doors, windows, and moldings.

Encapsulation covers and seals lead paint with a special coating. It is less expensive than more thorough methods of abatement, but not suitable for surfaces subject to friction.

After Abatement

Clean up after abatement is essential to avoid lead levels increasing.

Use the following materials:

• household detergent

• HEPA vacuum cleaner

• 6-mil plastic bags or sheet plastic and duct tape.

• Disposable clothes, sponges, and mops (or mop heads).

The Clean-up Process is Never Completed

Keep lead dust from building up. Cleaning the area every day will help keep lead levels low.

Workers should clean all surfaces from the top down, so lead particles aren’t rinsed into clean areas. Keep lead out of other areas.

For More Information About Protecting Your Family From Lead Call:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Prevention Program  617-624-6000  TTY: 617-624-6001

The National Lead Information Clearing House can be reached at:

800-LEAD-FYI

800-424-LEAD

or contact your local health department.