Lead Abatement
Grondin Construction, Inc. is certified by the Department of Health Services in lead abatement and stabilization for both the construction worker and supervisor categories
In addition, we are certified on a federal level with the Environmental Protection Agency. Since 2000, we have partnered with the San Diego Housing Commission's Rehabilitation Program in their mission to eradicate lead paint from homes with high level readings.
What is Lead?
Lead is a toxic base in paint used in homes built before 1978. It is important that lead be removed safely by a licensed professional for the safety of the home occupants.
FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.
FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.
FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies, even before they are born.
2010 Lead Law
As of April 22, 2010, contractors doing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified. Specific work practices must be followed to prevent lead poisoning and contamination.
From the EPA Web site
β...beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.β
βThe law will require contractors and maintenance professionals to be certified, and their employees trained. In addition, they must follow protective lead-safe work practice standards when renovation, repair or painting activities will disturb more than six square feet of lead-based paint in a room or when 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Two-thirds of homes and half of the schools and day care centers built before 1960 have some lead-based paint...β (//www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/renovation.htm)
Health Hazards of Lead
How people get lead into their bodies:
- Breath in lead dust, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.
- Put their hands or objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.
- Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead.
Lead is more dangerous to children
- Babies and young children often put their hands and objects in their mouths, and these can have lead dust on them.
- Children's growing bodies absorb more lead, and their brains and nervous systems are more susceptible to lead.
If not detected early, children with high levels
of lead
in their systems can suffer:
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
- Brain and nervous system damage
- Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity
Adults can suffer from:
- Reproductive problems
- High blood pressure and hypertension
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Headache
- Constipation
- Stomach Ache
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Behavior problems
Where is Lead Found at Home?
- Homes built before 1978
- Doors and door frames
- Window sills
- Stairs
- Porches
- Railings
- High traffic areas
Where is Lead Found in San Diego?
Top of PageLead Removal Done Right
Safe lead removal practices include:
- Certified lead contractors performing abatement.
- Sealed off areas so the lead in the affected area will be contained.
- Grondin Construction, Inc. is a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
Tenants
If you suspect that your apartment or rental home contains lead:
- Notify your landlord immediately
- Your landlord needs to be aware so he or she take steps to test for lead and have it safely removed
- Lead is harmful to all tenants and can spread quickly
Realtors: How the 2010 Lead Law Effects You
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is crucial for realtors to understand the lead removal regulation.
Working with sellers: Make sure that the sellers are complying with the law and making appropriate and safe improvements to their home.
Working with buyers:Potential dangers of lead in homes build before 1978 must be disclosed to buyers. Buyers must also be informed of the 2010 Lead Law so they can take steps to have it properly removed.
Parents and Teachers
Here are some tips and symptoms to watch for in your children and the children in you care as well as some fun activities for children to help them learn about lead.
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