DIYbanter - View Single Post - Remodelling & lead-based paint

Pat

Goedjn wrote:
On 12 Sep 2006 09:06:51 -0700, wrote:

My husband and I normally do all the remodelling in this house.
Previous owners said the outside wood siding (underneath the current
vinyl siding) has lead-based paint on it. Had the whole house tested
and sure enough only the outside has lead.

Husband refuses to install two much-needed new bay windows in 2
separate front rooms. Called several "good" contractors in the area -
none of them have procedures to carefully remove old windows without
disturbing (or at least taking precautions against) lead-based paint
dust. One said he did this for 20 years and no one has ever asked him
about lead.

I have an infant whose new fascination is putting everything in her
mouth.

Am I being overly cautious? Should I just let the contractors do their
thing and just clean up stuff myself afterwards? (HEPA filters, TSP
soap, etc.) Is it unreasonable to expect a contractor to do things
properly with regards to lead?

It's not necessarily unreasonable, it's just likely
to cost you an extra $3000-$7000 for following
hazmat protocols.

Was it me, I'd find someplace else to be for the time
it takes to do the windows, and clean thoroughly
afterwards. THere won't be enough led to cause acute
lead poisoning, and the exposure isn't long-term enough
to accumulate from chronic exposure.

After about 6 months, get the child lead-tested,
just for your own mental health.

--goedjn

There's no hazmat protocol for lead. You just wrap the old window in
plastic and carefully throw it in the dumpster. Extra cost is about
$10 for plastic and tape.

While the kids shouldn't be around in any construction project, this
whole thing will be done with in a day.