Lead Based Paints Services in Denver, Colorado
Breathe Easy Environmental offers lead-based paint removal services in Denver, Colorado, covering critial safety concerns for both residential and commercial properties. Our specialized services encompass a range of solutions, from initial testing and risk assessment to complete removal and disposal of lead-contaminated materials. We also handle regulatory compliance, insurance requirements, and offer additional services like asbestos abatement.
Lead Paint in Colorado Homes
In Colorado, approximately three-quarters of the homes built before 1978 have contained lead-based paint, which poses a threat to occupants who may breathe or ingest dust from lead-based paint as it wears and disintegrates over time. Lead can cause abnormal fetal growth during pregnancies, while both children and adults can experience irritability, poor muscle coordination, and damage to the nervous system and brain, as well lead to high blood pressure. Because lead is something you can’t see, taste, or smell, it often goes undetected and can become a common source of poisoning for children, which even low levels of can hamper mental and physical development and cause learning disorders involving behavior problems and reduced attention span.
In 1991, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) called lead poisoning the No. 1 environmental threat to the health of children, and subsequently the Lead Hazard Control program was formed in 1993. Efforts resulting from this program reduced childhood lead poisoning cases by 70%, but lead-based paint remains a problem in Colorado.
Since lead does not break down naturally it can remain dangerous until removed. Areas in your home mostly likely to contain lead-based paint include:
- Wall surfaces that are on the outside of your home (which are more likely to become hazardous because of their exposure to the elements, causing the paint to chip and flake off. Ingesting this material can be extremely dangerous.
- Windows and window sills
- Doors and doorframes
- Trim and baseboards
If you have an older home and think a potential hazard exists, test your home and family for lead. There are do-it-yourself test kits from home centers, paint stores, and ceramics supply outlets. These kits are a good first step, but they cannot distinguish between low and high levels of lead, and it may be difficult to get accurate readings on surfaces with multiple levels of paint.
In most cases, it’s best to have a professional lead-based paint expert like Breathe Easy Environmental test your home to determine if lead is present. If we detect lead, we can help you develop a plan to take permanent measures to remove it from your home, through component removal and replacement, paint removal, and covering painted surfaces.
Common Concerns in Homes With Lead Paint
Homes that come with lead paint usually contain some other form of hazard. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that when asbestos fibers are disturbed and become airborne, they may be inhaled, allowing asbestos fibers to lodge themselves in lung tissue. This can cause extremely serious and often fatal diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis (a lung disease marked by severe fibrosis), and mesothelioma (a type of cancer that occurs in the layer of tissue that covers internal organs).
In addition to inhalation of dust fibers, one can also be exposed to asbestos by drinking water that is contaminated due to flowing through asbestos cement water pipes.
In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos. However, many homes and buildings constructed during the asbestos era still have asbestos products throughout.
What Is Lead Abatement and Mitigation?
There are strict laws regulating the mitigation of lead, which we adhere to closely. Breathe Easy Environmental often uses the following methods for mitigating lead-based paint.
Enclosure
Lead paint is covered with a wall covering, which is a common choice for large surfaces such as walls.
Enclosure involves covering the lead-painted surface with a new, durable barrier to prevent exposure. This method is particularly effective for large surfaces such as walls and ceilings. Materials used for enclosures can include drywall, paneling, or other solid materials that can be securely fastened in place.
This method is often chosen for its cost-effectiveness and speed. However, it’s essential that the enclosure is properly installed to ensure that no lead dust or paint can escape from the enclosed area. Enclosure is considered a temporary solution since any damage to the new covering can expose the underlying lead paint again.
Replacement
The surface containing the lead is completely removed (i.e., a wall, door, window, or molding) and replaced with a new one.
Replacement is the process of completely removing and disposing of building components that contain lead paint, such as walls, doors, windows, or moldings, and replacing them with new, lead-free materials. This method effectively eliminates the lead hazard and is a permanent solution.
Replacement is particularly suitable for items that are in poor condition or for parts of a building that are frequently used and subjected to wear and tear. The drawback of this method is that it can be more expensive and time-consuming compared to other abatement techniques. It also requires careful handling and disposal of the lead-containing materials to prevent contamination.
Paint Removal
Paint is completely removed using various techniques. (This method generates lead dust and requires use of a HEPA local vacuum exhaust tool for the work area.)
Paint removal involves completely stripping lead-based paint from surfaces using various techniques, such as wet sanding, scraping, chemical paint stripper, or heat guns. This method generates significant amounts of lead dust and chips, which pose health risks if not managed properly.
Therefore, the use of a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum exhaust tool is crucial to contain and collect the dust during the removal process. We follow strict safety protocols to protect workers and occupants from lead exposure during this process.
Encapsulation
The affected area is covered and sealed with a specific coating. (This method can be less expensive but cannot be employed on all surfaces.)
Encapsulation is the process of sealing lead-based paint with a specially formulated coating that acts as a barrier. This coating can be either a liquid or an adhesive material that hardens upon drying, creating a durable and impermeable surface. Encapsulation is often less expensive than removal or replacement and can be applied quickly.
However, it is not suitable for all surfaces, particularly those that experience friction or impact, such as windows and doors, where the encapsulant could wear away. The effectiveness of encapsulation also depends on the condition of the existing paint and the compatibility of the encapsulant with the surface.
Safety Considerations
Each method requires careful consideration of safety procedures to protect workers and occupants. Personal protective equipment (PPE), proper ventilation, and containment measures are essential to minimize exposure to lead dust and fumes.
Additionally, all debris and waste generated from lead abatement processes must be handled and disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
Working with Breathe Easy Environmental
If you suspect that your Colorado home or property may have lead-based paint, it is very important to hire an expert that can properly abate and mitigate it. Most insurance companies have a lead poisoning exclusion, meaning the cost of removing the paint or any liability that may arise due to having lead paint in your home will not be covered. But Breathe Easy Environmental’s services are often lower than other local companies, and we will work with you to determine the best method for removing lead-based paint from your home. Contact us today to learn more.
FAQ About Our Lead Abatement Services
What is lead abatement and why is it important for homeowners in Denver, Colorado?
Lead abatement is the process of safely reducing or eliminating lead paint hazards in homes and buildings. It is crucial for homeowners in Denver, Colorado, to undertake lead abatement to protect their families from lead poisoning. Lead paint, commonly used in homes built before 1978, can deteriorate over time, creating lead dust and chips that are harmful if ingested or inhaled. Effective lead abatement improves indoor air quality and reduces the risk of lead poisoning, especially in children, whose developing nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure.
How can Breathe Easy Environmental assist with lead paint removal and asbestos abatement?
We specialize in both lead paint removal and asbestos abatement, providing comprehensive environmental remediation services. Our certified lead abatement contractors use advanced techniques, such as HEPA vacuuming and paint stripping, to safely remove lead paint. We also handle asbestos abatement, ensuring that all hazardous materials are properly contained and disposed of in compliance with regulatory requirements. By addressing both lead and asbestos hazards, we help improve the safety and environmental health of your property
What are the potential health effects of lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning can cause a range of serious health effects, particularly in children. It can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems by affecting the brain and nervous system. In adults, lead poisoning can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive issues. Lead abatement helps prevent these health risks by removing or containing lead paint and reducing lead dust in the home. By ensuring your property is lead-safe, you protect your family’s health and well-being.
How do you ensure quality assurance and regulatory compliance in your projects?
We ensure quality assurance and regulatory compliance by employing certified lead abatement contractors who are well-versed in current laws and regulations. We conduct thorough inspections and use advanced equipment, such as HEPA vacuums, to manage lead dust and debris. Our team follows strict protocols for containment, waste management, and environmental protection. We also provide detailed documentation of all work performed, ensuring transparency and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
What should homeowners do if they suspect lead contamination in their property?
If homeowners suspect lead contamination in their property, they should contact a lead abatement company like us for an inspection and risk assessment. We will test for lead paint and evaluate the extent of contamination. If lead is detected, we will develop a customized abatement plan to address the hazards safely and effectively. Homeowners should avoid disturbing potential lead paint areas and ensure children and pets stay away from these areas until the abatement is complete.
What are the benefits of choosing Breathe Easy Environmental for lead abatement services in Denver, Colorado?
Choosing us for lead abatement services in Denver, Colorado, offers several benefits:
- Expertise: Our certified contractors have extensive experience in lead abatement and asbestos removal.
- Safety: We prioritize safety by using PPE, HEPA vacuums, and lead-safe work practices.
- Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements, ensuring your property meets environmental health standards.
- Comprehensive Services: We offer a full range of services, including inspection, risk assessment, and abatement.
- Customer Support: We provide excellent customer service, from initial consultation to project completion, ensuring you are informed and satisfied every step of the way. By choosing Better With Bee, you ensure a safer, healthier environment for your home and family.
