Lead paint removal - is this ok?

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1101

3122 posts

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#2178288 14-Feb-2019 14:50

timmmay:

..... They then wash down the house, which reduces the risk for us, but puts the lead into the environment. Because we're not connected to waste water it goes out onto council land, down a bank.

its your house , YOU need to take responsibility about lead runoff .

tripper1000

1617 posts

Uber Geek

#2178314 14-Feb-2019 15:47

There are plenty of NZ resources on line for Lead Paint Removal such as this from the Ministry of Health. Just Google it.

Yes lead is not good for you, but it is not the super-toxic poison that hippies would have you believe and has been villainised somewhat. Lead poisoning is primarily caused by swallowing it - so the paint chips on the ground are a risk if the kids put them in their mouths etc. There really isn't a risk from seeing/smelling cooked paint, which is why it is very uncommon for adults to get Lead poisoning. If the tradies were dry-sanding it, then the dust would be bad to breath.

While it isn't OK to put it down the drain, it is reasonable inactive in the environment - the stuff you buy the gardening section at the supermarket is more harmful.

timmmay

20578 posts

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#2178318 14-Feb-2019 16:13

1101:

timmmay:

..... They then wash down the house, which reduces the risk for us, but puts the lead into the environment. Because we're not connected to waste water it goes out onto council land, down a bank.

its your house , YOU need to take responsibility about lead runoff .

Fair. I have engaged a professional to do the job properly, but I will ensure they do it.

tripper1000:

There are plenty of NZ resources on line for Lead Paint Removal such as this from the Ministry of Health. Just Google it.

Yes lead is not good for you, but it is not the super-toxic poison that hippies would have you believe and has been villainised somewhat. Lead poisoning is primarily caused by swallowing it - so the paint chips on the ground are a risk if the kids put them in their mouths etc. There really isn't a risk from seeing/smelling cooked paint, which is why it is very uncommon for adults to get Lead poisoning. If the tradies were dry-sanding it, then the dust would be bad to breath.

While it isn't OK to put it down the drain, it is reasonable inactive in the environment - the stuff you buy the gardening section at the supermarket is more harmful.

What I've read doesn't entirely agree. Kids get more as they're closer to the floor, eat things off the floor, etc. The fumes can be the worst, worse than dust. Most of the lead poisoning each year is tradesmen. It can reduce IQ, increase the chances of criminal activity later in life (which really seems difficult to prove), and cause health issues. So even if the risk is moderate it's not a risk I want to take with my son.

I did Google it and found some resources, including the one you linked to, but I was hoping there was someone on GZ with actual in-depth knowledge.

I appreciate the thoughts and advice I've received from everyone.

bfginger

1268 posts

Uber Geek

#2253134 6-Jun-2019 14:47

I don't think the toxicity should be played down. It isn't likely to kill anyone but one big exposure on a child and they're harmed for life. Most exposure in the 20th century came from inhaling it.

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