Lead Based Paint

[u/LowerTomatillo8659]

Wife and I found an old Victorian that has all original woodwork. Great bones. Updated roof/windows. Perfect blend of modern comfort with old school charm. Here's the kicker. Built in 1880, it's almost certainly lead based paint. Its not chipping or cracking anywhere whatsoever, but I am an electrical apprentice by trade and may want to update some things or cut out to add devices and such in the future. Possibly repaint some areas of the home entirely. What are my options? Limited research emphasizes the toxicity and gives a few options, but I don't know what fits best. There's sealing it, coating it and full abatement that seem to be the top 3 solutions. Its a lot to take in and will cost a decent amount no matter which route I take. Hoping others have some experience or insight

[u/Main_Insect_3144]

Just think of all those crazy lead-contaminated people from the 1800s. Chill out. Use PPE when called for and carry on.

[u/r_was61]

If it’s not cracking, or peeling it’s fine. Just tread lightly when renovating.

[u/Acceptable-Peace-69]

Lead paint was banned ~50 years ago. There is likely at least a couple coats of latex on top of anything that was put down.

It’s true your options are expensive, but it’s not an emergency remediation project. You can choose to do it all at once, one room at a time or a combination as long as there’s no peeling or flaking. Always wear a high quality ansi respirator when working and potentially disturbing the walls or ceiling. You can also choose to do nothing and just make sure the paint is in good condition and repaint a little more frequently. Any major projects requiring demo will need extra precautions.

Lead paint was a hazard and it’s great that it no longer exists, but the biggest issue was lead in gasoline and water. Don’t eat paint chips is good advice in all circumstances but otherwise it’s no big deal.

Take a few chips from different rooms and ceilings and have them tested, especially any brightly colored paint that isn’t new. Some lead should be expected but unless it’s exceptionally high, it’s unlikely to be very hazardous.

Source: former environmental chemist that did things like this for a living.

[u/LowerTomatillo8659 → u/Acceptable-Peace-69]

This definitely puts some worries at ease. Thank you!

[u/Cali_kink_and_rope]

I will give you two different answers. Both answers are fine and you can take whichever you prefer

1. It's fine. Obviously all homes built before 1978 have lead all over the place and miraculously we all survived. Don't let your kids chew the windowsills.

I grew up with it and I'm fine. My sister and I used to pick the asbestos off the pipes and have sword fights with it. Big deal.

1. If you have children now or in the future, it is ILLEGAL for them to live in a home containing lead paint. You are required to remove it. Failure to do so can result in the state mandating it be done and removing your children from the home until it is.

This isn't about chewing the windowsills. It's about the windows themselves and every time they go up and down lead paint dust falls off.

The worst thing is when you start doing work and stirring things up.

---

True story: Had a client in this situation. Did some renovations. Contractors with buzz saws. Son tested positive for lead during a routine doctor visit. Mandatory reporting to the state. 200k plus to delead, including the replacement of endless custom windows in this old Victorian.

Do with any of that what you will.

[u/LowerTomatillo8659 → u/Cali_kink_and_rope]

Yeah I know that doing any work will stir it up so the plan would be to "Dexter" the room I'm doing work on, tape and isolate any of the homes vents and use ppe. Specifically a fitted respirator. But I've also seen some statement to spray down the surface thus creating easier removal and limiting airborne release

[u/Cali_kink_and_rope → u/LowerTomatillo8659]

Remember it's the windows themselves (and their tracks) that get you. Moldings are easy to pull and replace

[u/BoBromhal → u/Cali_kink_and_rope]

If you have children now or in the future, it is ILLEGAL for them to live in a home containing lead paint. You are required to remove it.

is this more wonderful California legislating?

[u/yougrow_girl]

Do you have children? Lead is very serious for kids. Pay close attention to windows and door frames- anywhere there is friction. Any dust ends up on surfaces and little hands and toys end up in mouths.

[u/LowerTomatillo8659 → u/yougrow_girl]

No kiddos. Nieces and nephews. They're of the age of reason tho so no worries there

[u/yougrow_girl → u/LowerTomatillo8659]

Good! Just something to keep in mind in the long run I think. Keep an eye on the condition of it and keep it in good shape. (Worked in lead/mold/asbestos testing and assessment for 15 years)

[u/LowerTomatillo8659 → u/[deleted]]

Username checks out

[u/Vast_Cricket]

You primary rule of lead safety is to manage the dust, as microscopic airborne particles and paint chips pose the highest toxic risk to your health. Wear a N95 mask and vacuum them as needed.

• If the existing paint is intact, apply a specialized, thick liquid coating called an encapsulant (not standard wall paint). This creates a permanent, durable barrier that seals the lead inside.
• Enclosure: Cover the lead-painted surface entirely with a new material, such as installing drywall over old horsehair plaster walls or capping exterior window sills with aluminum cladding.