Lead-Based Paint Investigations
Andrew Burgie, MS
Center for Occupational & Environmental Health
at Hunter College
Lead-Based Paint:
Course Overview
What is Lead-Based Paint?
 Why is it Toxic?
 When is it Hazardous?
 What Laws Govern Lead-Based Paint?
 Recognizing, Evaluating, and Controlling
Hazardous Lead Environments?
 Questions and Discussion

What is Lead-Based Paint?
Definition of Lead-Based Paint
Paint with lead levels that are:

> 1.0 milligram per square centimeter
>

1.0 mg/cm2
>0.5% by weight
Note: If yellow box = 1 cm2, 1 mg.
or more of lead found in chip
would be above legal lead limit
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Occupational Safety and Health
Act (OSHA)
OSHA (1970) - Employer provides a “safe
and healthy” workplace. Employee abides
by employer rules concerning same.
OSHA Lead Standards in Industry:
 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1025 – General
 OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 – Construction
 OSHA 29 CFR 1915.1025 – Maritime
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)

TSCA (1976) - Toxic Substances Control
Act - Manufacturers and importers of
chemicals required to include info about
health and environmental effects of those
chemicals
EPA Lead Standards:
 Title 15 Chapter 53 (Subchapter IV – lead
exposure reduction)
Department of Housing & Urban
Development (HUD)

HUD (1965) - Housing and Urban
Development Act - Mission is to guarantee
a decent, safe, and sanitary home and
suitable living environment for every
American
HUD Lead Standards:
 Title X – Residential Lead-Based Paint
Hazard Reduction Act of 1992: (Section
1018 – Disclosure of Lead-Based Paint)
When is Lead-Based Paint Toxic?
Lead Facts: Routes of Entry
Lead can be inhaled in the form of dust
 Lead can be ingested in the form of paint
chips, soil contaminated with lead, toys or
other objects covered with lead dust, tainted
drinking water

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Lead Facts: Health Effects
Both adults and children can get lead
poisoning depending on the concentration
 Children are more susceptible because:

 Children’s
brains and nervous system are more
sensitive to damaging effects of lead
 Children’s growing bodies absorb more lead
 Babies and young children often put their hands
and other objects in their mouths which may
have lead dust on them
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Lead Facts: Health Effects

Children with high lead levels can
experience:
 Damage
to brain and nervous system
 Behavior and learning problems (hyperactivity)
 Slowed growth
 Hearing problems
 Headaches
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Lead Facts: Health Effects

Blood tests for children are recommended:
 At
ages 1 and 2
 If exposure to high levels of lead has occurred
 If local health screening plan requires it
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Lead Facts: Health Effects

Adults can suffer from:
 Difficulties
during pregnancy
 Other reproductive problems (men & women)
 High blood pressure
 Digestive problems
 Nerve disorders
 Memory and concentration problems
 Muscle and joint pain
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
SECTION I
- Identification Data
SECTION II
- Hazardous Ingredients Data
SECTION III
- Physical & Chemical Characteristics Data
SECTION IV
- Fire & Explosion Data
SECTION V
- Reactivity Data
SECTION VI
- Health Hazards Data
SECTION VII
- Special Handling Information (Spill, Leak, Disposal)
SECTION VIII
- Control Measures (Ventilation, PPE)
SECTION IX
- Special Precautions & Additional Information
Ledizolv MSDS (OPTIONAL)
Material Safety Data Sheet
I - Identification
Product Name (As appears on label): LEDIZOLV®
CAS Registry Number: Not Applicable
Effective Date: January 8, 2001
Chemical Family: Anionic Liquid Detergent
II - Hazardous Ingredients / Identity Information
There are no hazardous ingredients in LEDIZOLV as
defined by the OSHA Standard and Hazardous
Substance List 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z. Contains no
Canadian WHMIS controlled substances.
http://www.ledizolv.com/LearnAbout/LedizolvMSDS/LszMSDS.asp
Ledizolv MSDS (OPTIONAL)
Material Safety Data Sheet
III - Physical / Chemical Characteristics
Boiling Point (F): 220 degrees F
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): N/A
Vapor Density (AIR=1): N/A
Specific Gravity: 1.080
Melting Point: N/A
Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate=1): N/A
Solubility in Water: Completely soluble in all proportions.
Appearance and Odor: Amber liquid - nearly odorless.
IV - Fire and Explosion Data
Flash Point (Method Used): None (Open cup)
Flammable Limits: LEL, N/S ; UEL N/A
Extinguishing Media: Water, dry chemical, CO2, foam
Special Firefighting Procedures: Self-contained positive pressure
breathing apparatus and protective clothing should be
worn in fighting fires involving chemicals.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: None
Ledizolv MSDS (OPTIONAL)
Material Safety Data Sheet
V - Reactivity Data
Stability: Stable
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur
Incompatibility (materials to avoid): None
Hazardous Decomposition or By-products: May release
ammonia, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide on burning.
VI - Health Hazard Data
Route(s) of Entry: Inhalation? No; Skin? No, except for open
cuts or abrasions; Ingestion? Yes
Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic): Material may cause eye
irritation and/or burns. May cause skin irritation.
Carcinogenicity: NTP? No; IARC Monographs? No; OSHA
Regulated? No
Ledizolv MSDS (OPTIONAL)
Material Safety Data Sheet
VI - Health Hazard Data (continued)
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Material may
prove locally irritating. Medical Conditions Generally
Aggravated by Exposure Not Established.
Unnecessary exposure to this product or any
industrial chemical should be avoided. Pre-existing
skin conditions may be aggravated by exposure.
Emergency and First Aid Procedures: EyesImmediately flush eyes with water for at least 15
minutes. Call a physician. Skin-Flush with plenty of
water. Ingestion-Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs readminister fluids. See a physician.
Ledizolv MSDS (OPTIONAL)
Material Safety Data Sheet
VII - Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
Steps to be taken if Material is Released or Spilled: For small
spills recover as much as possible to flush remainder to sewer.
Large spills should be disposed of according to local
regulations. Material is biodegradable.
Waste Disposal Method: Small quantities may be disposed of in
sewer. Large quantities should be disposed of in accordance
with local ordinances for non-hazardous detergent products.
Precautions to be Taken in Storing and Handling: No special
precautions in storing. Use protective equipment when handling
undiluted material.
Other Precautions: Avoid splashing and spraying undiluted
material. No other special requirements other than the good
industrial hygiene and safety practices employed with any
industrial chemical.
Ledizolv MSDS (OPTIONAL)
Material Safety Data Sheet
VIII - Control Measures
Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Not required.
Ventilation: Local Exhaust – Normal
Special - Not Required
Mechanical - Not Required
Other - Not Required
Protective Gloves: Impervious gloves are recommended.
Eye Protection: Goggles and/or splash shields are
recommended.
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Eye wash station
should be available.
Work/Hygienic Practices: Wash hands before eating, drinking or
smoking. The information herein is given in good faith but no
warranty is expressed or implied.
When is Lead-Based Paint
Hazardous?
Factors Impacting Lead Hazard
Building Age – Buildings built and painted
before 1978, the year that lead was removed
from household paint
 Paint Condition – Poor quality paint that is
chipping, peeling, cracking, pulverizing
 Presence of Young Children – Children
between the ages of 6 months and seven
years old are susceptible due to their
developing bodies, and desire to put objects
in mouth

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Factors Impacting Lead Hazard

Friction Surfaces – Surfaces that get a lot of
wear-and-tear such as
 Windows
and window sills
 Doors and door frames
 Stairs, railings, banisters, and porches

Renovations – Surfaces that are disturbed
 Outdoor
paint in soil
 Indoor paint chips/ dust on floor

Old Pipes – Drinking water that runs
through old water pipes with lead solder
 Residential
 City
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Lead-Based Paint Legislation
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Lead Standards

Lead Dust –
micrograms per square foot (ug/ft2) –
floors
 <250 ug/ft2 - interior window sills
 <40

Lead in Soil –
parts per million (ppm) – play areas of
bare soil
 <1,200 ppm (average) - bare soil in remainder
of yard
 <400

Lead in Water –
 15
micrograms per liter (ug/L) – drinking water
Recognizing Lead-Based Paint
Hazards
Recognizing Lead Hazards





Building Age – Buildings built/painted before
1978
Paint Condition – Poor quality paint that is
chipping, peeling, cracking, pulverizing
Friction Surfaces – Surfaces that get a lot of wearand-tear such as windows, doors, stairs, etc.
Renovations – Painted surfaces that are disturbed
Old Pipes – Drinking water may be impacted
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Evaluating Lead-Based Paint
Hazards
Evaluating Lead Hazards
Paint Inspection – Quantifies lead content
of every different type of painted surface in
home
 Risk Assessment – Quantifies impact of
lead based paint found in home on your
health and how to address the hazards found
through use of:

 Visual
inspection of paint condition and
location
 A portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine
 Lab tests of paint, dust, and soil samples (AAS)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Controlling Lead-Based Paint
Hazards
Controlling Lead Hazards (Adults)
Notify Landlord of paint in poor condition
 Clean up paint chips immediately
 Clean floors, window frames, window sills
and other surfaces weekly
(mop/sponge/warm water/general allpurpose cleaner or lead cleaner)
 Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads
after cleaning problem areas
 Wash children’s hands often (especially
before eating, naps, and bedtime

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Controlling Lead Hazards (Adults)
Keep play areas clean (and toys or other
easily accessible objects)
 Clean or remove shoes before entering
home to avoid tracking in lead from soil
 Prevent children from chewing window sills
or other painted surfaces
 Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat
meals high in iron and calcium

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Controlling Lead Hazard (Adults)

Repair damaged painted surfaces
 Have
area tested for lead-based paint
 Do not use dry or hot abrasive methods to
prevent dust and fume generation
 Temporarily move your family or completely
seal work area
 Follow other safety measures prescribed in
“Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling
Your Home” at 1-800-424-LEAD
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Controlling Lead Hazard (Adults)
Plant grass to cover soil with high lead
levels or plant “barrier” foliage
 Hire a certified lead “abatement” contractor
to permanently eliminate hazard (removing,
sealing, or encapsulation with special
materials.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Controlling Lead Hazard (Kids)
Notify Parent of paint in poor condition
 Help keep play areas clean (and toys or
other easily accessible objects) for siblings
 Prevent sibling from chewing window sills
or other painted surfaces
 Make sure siblings eat nutritious, low-fat
meals high in iron and calcium

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Questions & Comments
CONCLUSION
www.osha.gov - OSHA WEBSITE
www.epa.gov - EPA WEBSITE
www.cdc.gov/niosh - NIOSH WEBSITE
www.hud.gov - HUD WEBSITE
_____________________________________
ANDREW BURGIE, M.S.
Center for Occupational and Environmental
Health at Hunter College
(212) 481-7652