Lead represents one of the most insidious dangers we face from our homes, mainly because it’s unseen and its effects aren’t always immediately apparent. But a majority of structures built before 1978 have at least some lead in the paint, dust or soil, and it represents a threat to every member of the family, especially children and pets.
With the warmer months here to stay, many people are fixing up their homes, either themselves or using a contractor. That process can expose old lead paint and disturb dust and soil that has been contaminated with lead.
For that reason, this month our to-do list features recommendations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for keeping your family safe when you’re doing work around the house.
June To-Dos:
According to HUD, there are six principles everyone who lives in or works on a pre-1978 structure should remember:
1. ASSUME: Paint in homes built before 1978 contains lead (unless a lead-based paint inspection shows it doesn’t)
2. CHECK: Federal, state, and local regulations before doing any work
3. AVOID: Creating dust. Keep dust contained to immediate work area
4. PROTECT: Occupants, particularly children
5. CLEAN UP: After all work, which is particularly important if painted surfaces were broken or wall cavities were opened
6. MAINTAIN: A dry building. Moisture problems can cause paint peeling and chipping, building deterioration and encourage pests
Download a PDF copy of HUD’s brochure, “Lead Paint Safety,” here.
Backyard chicken coops might not be a total rarity in the urban landscape these days, especially with people seeking more sustainable food sources. But back in the 1800s, they were as common as minivans and Starbucks outposts are in the ‘00s.
Thinking she didn’t need much more than a roof over her head and a little heat in the winter, she contacted Get Dwell about designing and constructing the maximum studio for a minimal budget.
The structure had a chicken-feeding window opening onto an alley, which we removed for added security. The walls were then insulated and finished with drywall and we matched interior trim to the existing exterior trim, giving the studio a timeless and cohesive look. Finally, Get Dwell installed radiant floor heat, ensuring the studio is comfortable year-round.
It’s a sobering statistic: Lead poisoning affects more than one million children. If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, hearing problems, headaches and myriad other conditions. And, at high enough concentrations, adults can experience health problems, as well.
At Get Dwell, we see potential lead dangers every day, especially in Chicago and the North Shore where many homes predate 1978, when use of lead-based paint was stopped. That’s why Get Dwell Project Managers have completed the Lead Renovator Training Program for Lead Safety under the EPA’s Remodeling, Repair and Painting Rule. In fact, as of April 22, the EPA requires that any firm performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools get certified and follow lead-safe work practices that include: