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Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Initiative

Region 5 Lead Awareness
National Information

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The Healthy Homes Initiative is a coordinated, comprehensive, and holistic approach for preventing diseases and injuries that result from housing related hazards and deficiencies. The focus of the initiative is to identify health, safety, and quality of life issues in the home environment and to act systematically to eliminate or mitigate problems. Many Federal Agencies such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have incorporated lead poisoning prevention into the Healthy Homes Initiative. For more information go to the CDC Healthy Homes Initiative.

The U.S. EPA promotes Lead Safe Work Practices when performing any kind of renovation, repair or painting in your home. The principles of lead safe work practice incorporate actions that prevent lead dust when disturbing Lead Paint in homes built before 1978. The six principles of lead safe work practice are:

  1. Prepare the work area
  2. Protect workers and occupants
  3. Don’t spread lead dust
  4. Work Wet, Work Clean
  5. Clean the work area and,
  6. Waste disposal.

Read the U.S.EPA Region 5’s Work Lead Safe bulletin (PDF) (2pp, 1.71K)

Environmental health issues besides lead in paint are of concern to those working in homes, including the possible presence of lead, PCBs, and asbestos; not just in paint, but in varnish, caulk, and soil. Working lead safe is only one step in preventing exposure to these other harmful chemicals.

Listed below are other issues that may be of concern during any home renovation, repair, or painting project.

Soil Areas Lead and other pollutants from damaged paint or caulk may be in soil near houses built before 1978. This is a special concern in play areas used by children, especially when soil is bare. Testing is a good idea but you will need someone with special training to perform the test and explain the results. See the publication Testing Your Home for Lead (PDF) (20 pp, 204Kb) for more information.

Asbestos Insulation, tile or other materials in houses may contain asbestos. If these materials are in good condition they are generally safe. However, damaged materials can release fibers and cause serious lung damage. Have a qualified professional check whether containment or removal is needed. Do not remove asbestos yourself. See publications Asbestos in Your Home for more information.

Painting and Renovation Products Paint, stripper, glue and other materials may contain volatile organic compounds, which can be unhealthy. Use proper ventilation and protective gear. For more information see Healthy Indoor Painting Practices (PDF) (2pp, 111Kb)

Pesticides and other hazardous household products Storage spaces for pesticides and other household chemicals may be contaminated with these products. Renovation can release harmful levels of dust and VOCs. Use proper ventilation and protective gear. For more information see Steps to Reduce

Old Caulk and Paint Caulk and paint made before 1980 may contain PCBs or lead. Asbestos may also be present. Damaged caulk and paint are of most concern. It is dangerous to breathe in or swallow dust from such sources or to let it touch your skin. If there is concern about PCBs in caulk, review PCBs in building caulk.

Treated Wood One common wood treatment product, CCA or chromated copper arsenate, is phased out but still may be in basements or framing. Use proper ventilation and protective gear when working with treated wood. For more information see Safety and Precautions When Working With CCA Alternatives.

Mold and Moisture If mold is present, it can cause serious health problems such as allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints. If mold is a problem you must eliminate sources of moisture and clean up the mold. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely. Absorbent materials with mold growth such as ceiling tiles and carpet may have to be thrown away. Use proper ventilation and protective gear. For more information see more publications on Mold.

Use proper ventilation and appropriate protective gear such as goggles, gloves, dust masks, and a respirator, if appropriate. Avoid mixing chemicals and products together, especially if they contain ammonia. Consult with local authorities regarding proper disposal of materials. For all these things keep in mind the ‘Seven Principles of Healthy Housing”;

  1. Keep it dry (Moisture problems can cause mold, paint failure, building deterioration, and encourage pests. This is different from working wet when removing paint);
  2. Keep it clean,
  3. Keep it pest-free,
  4. Keep it ventilated,
  5. Keep it safe,
  6. Avoid contaminants, and
  7. Maintain the house.

In addition to the Seven Principles of Healthy Housing”, lead safe work practices are outlined in the "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home”(PDF). (26 pp, 933K)

Working in homes requires attention to a wide number of environmental health issues. The foregoing information will help you with many of them. Additional information can be found by visiting the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Office of Healthy Homes Exit Disclaimerand Lead Hazard Control and the National Center for Healthy Housing Exit Disclaimerweb sites or by calling USEPA Region 5 at 312 886-6003.

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