Lead Abatement/Remediation

Lead Abatement is any set of measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.  Permanent meaning, lasting for at least twenty (20) years.  Abatement includes:

· the permanent enclosure of lead-based paint

· the encapsulation of lead-based paint surface

· the wet scraping of lead contaminated surface 

· the replacement of components or fixtures that are contaminated with lead-based paint

· all preparation, cleanup, waste disposal, and post abatement clearance testing associated with lead-based paint removal

1.  Enclosure - the use of rigid, durable construction materials that are mechanically fastened to the substrate, in order to act as a barrier between the lead-based paint and the environment.  Some approved enclosure materials are - sheetrock, gypsum wall board, and wonder board.  The walls and ceilings can only be laminated if they are firm; otherwise, they may have to be demolished before installation of new material.  The enclosure method is most commonly used because of its durability, but mostly because it gets rid of lead, permanently.  It is a bit more costly, but we highly recommend using this method for your walls and ceilings.

2.  Encapsulation - the application of a covering or coating that acts as a barrier between the lead-based paint and the environment.  Encapsulants are applied in a liquid state, then left to dry, and subsequently form a barrier.  Some encapsulants approved by the NYS Department of Health are - L-B-C Lead Barrier Compound Type 111 or Childguard (interior & exterior), Back to Nature "Protect-A-Coat", Barrier Coat 11, and Insl-Cap Lead Encapsulating Compound.  See full list......        Encapsulants are not recommended by us, as they are costly and high maintenance (areas used on need to be checked regularly for holes, or cracks, etc. and repaired as instructed by encapsulant manufacturer).  Encapsulants should not be used in high traffic areas such as floors, threshold or stairs, or on surfaces subjected to friction or impact, such as windows and doors.

3.  Wet Scraping - the process of removing loose lead-based paint, in which the lead contaminated surface is kept wet while scraping to minimize the dispersal of paint chips and airborne dust.  Wet scraping is usually done to preserve a building's originality.  It is mostly done on doors, window and door frames, and baseboards.  Wet scraping can be very expensive as it is time consuming.

4.  Removal and Replacement - this entails the removal of building components such as, windows, doors, window and door frames, baseboards, radiators, etc., that have surfaces coated with lead-based paint, and the installation of new ones.