Probable Lead Paint & A Sander- How Bad Is It?
So I stupidly sanded down part of a piece of old moulding that most probably had lead paint under the top coat of paint- I sanded it down to the wood underneath, maybe a 1×6″ patch total- no dust mask, not great ventilation. The question is NOT how stupid was that (that’s already understood), but…
So I stupidly sanded down part of a piece of old moulding that most probably had lead paint under the top coat of paint- I sanded it down to the wood underneath, maybe a 1×6″ patch total- no dust mask, not great ventilation.
The question is NOT how stupid was that (that’s already understood), but how dangerous was that? I used an orbital sander which usually doesn’t catch all the dust either- also, no kids around to worry about.
No need to pile on the insults, I just wasn’t thinking straight and wanted to get the job done quick- let me know what you think.
fwiw, the recently enacted EPA regulations (RRP)for dealing with lead paint safely, don’t even kick in until you disturb at least 6 sq ft of a lead paint surface.
sounds like what you did was well below this threshold and shouldn’t be a concern.
cmu-
Tell it to Warren Zevon.
Yeah, the “hype” is only “hype” until it’s your child that has the overly high levels, and the DOH is knocking on your door to “investigate” your house. It’s not very funny then… although since everyone is so flippant about lead it’s happened to two of my neighbors lately. One on Downing and one on Grand.
>it doesn’t sound like this poster is in much danger, however, if he WOULD have children around or a Pregnant person, then we should be giving him advice about proper clean-up procedures
That was the point of the flippancy, wasn’t it? That it was a miniscule danger to childless OP? And fwiw, yes, the hype around lead and asbestos and no doubt other dangers is definitely exaggerated unless you’re breathing or working with it for long periods (or eating it). Abatement and disposal are big busines now, and they will make sure they get their share. That’s what annoys me.
It’s really annoying how blase everyone on this board is about lead.
That said, it doesn’t sound like this poster is in much danger, however, if he WOULD have children around or a Pregnant person, then we should be giving him advice about proper clean-up procedures, as ingesting the lead dust is one of the main concerns, and lead dust, unless cleaned properly can manifest in a space for a long, long time if not cleaned properly.
If you haven’t already, Hepa Vacuum, Wipe every surface wet (pro’s do it double -with different wipes/mops/paper towels) with a heavy duty cleaner (lead abatement people recommend palmolive , I’ve heard, but you can also use a specialty lead removal product from Green Depot) and try to prevent anyone from to eating/breathing/ingesting the lead dust…
I stripped whole doors, newel posts, moldings years ago without giving a thought to lead — because I didn’t know better. Kids in the house and everything. Had my lead levels tested a few years ago out of curiosity, barely showed on the radar. The kids seem to have all their marbles, and the grandkids are fine too. Don’t worry — just be sure to stay away from any of those criminals lighting up cigarettes in Prospect Park. You might get mowed down by the Pure Air Police. 🙂
OP here: Glad to see we all have a good sense of humor about it- i wasn’t deathly concerned, but I was curious- I do want to make it to my 50th birthday.
Oh and as a precaution, I’ve written you all into my will- you can have the rest of the old mouldings.
I’d like to take out an insurance policy on you.
Have you called hospice yet?
start making funeral arrangements, and say goodbye to your loved ones.
So tragic.