Can I get lead poisoning from sanding?

Lead paint is very dangerous when it is being stripped or sanded. These actions release fine lead dust into the air. Infants and children living in pre-1960’s housing (when paint often contained lead) have the highest risk of lead poisoning.

Should you wear a mask when scraping lead paint?

It is critical to wear a lead-rated respirator mask (not a dust mask). This respirator mask must be fitted with an approved HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. You’ll also need to don protective goggles and rubber gloves and be sure to wear old clothing that you can dispose of when you’re done.

What should I do if I sanded lead paint?

Any sanding, scraping, chipping, or other forms of friction against a lead paint surface can release particles of lead dust into the air, which can be hazardous to human health. Instead, simply wipe down the existing surface with a warm, wet towel to prepare it to be painted over.

Is it safe to sand lead based paint?

It’s important to sand only by hand using a block sander. Working wet will turn the sanded material into a sludge-like material that you can wipe away using rags, and when finished sanding, discard all used sandpaper and rags in proper containers to dispose of at approved facilities for lead impacted materials.

What happens if you breathe in lead paint dust?

Exposure to lead can harm nearly every system in the body. It can even kill. Lead accumulates in our bones, liver, and kidneys and can get into our blood. The effects of lead poisoning may continue after the source of exposure has been eliminated.

Why should you not remove lead-based paint by blasting burning dry scraping or dry sanding?

Paint removal by blasting, burning, dry scraping, dry sanding and using power tools creates the most serious dangers because the particles are small enough to be inhaled or deposited in furnishings or carpet, making complete removal extremely difficult.

Is it OK to scrape lead paint outside?

It is important to lightly mist the surface with the water; it will help control the lead dust. Use a wire brush or paint scraper to scrape loose, peeling or chipping paint. Leave any intact paint beyond this area in place. Place the scraped materials in a garbage bag and seal.