CES Lead Based Paint Abatement

Environmental and Demolition Services

Lead-Based Paint Abatement
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- EPA HUD Certified

Most structures built before 1960 contain heavily leaded paint, and some structures built as recently as 1978 may also contain lead paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of a house, or other surfaces. The lead was placed in the paint as a way to make it last longer. The amount of lead used in the paint was reduced in 1950 and further reduced in 1978. Currently, the acceptable amount of lead in paint is 600 parts per million (PPM), and 5,000 PPM is considered a high amount of lead in paint. Tiny pieces of peeling or chipping lead paint are dangerous if eaten. Lead paint in good condition is not usually a problem except in places where surfaces rub together and create dust, (for example, when a window is opened and the surfaces rub against each other).

Lead dust that is inhaled is a serious health hazard. Lead damages the brain, nerves and kidneys. This damage can be permanent, and is especially dangerous to children and pregnant or nursing women. In fact, lead-based paint is the most common source of lead poisoning in children. Some common places where lead can be a health hazard include:

• Windows and window sills
• Doors and door frames
• Stairs, railings and banisters
• Porches and fences
• Exterior siding

When a building suffers structural damage where lead paint is suspected to be, the paint should be tested for lead to avoid a health hazard. Laboratory analysis of paint chips is the most accurate test for lead in paint. For a moderate cost, paint chips can be sent to a laboratory to be analyzed for lead. X-ray fluorescene (XRF) testing is done in the building with a portable XRF meter and provides immediate results. XRF testing must be done by a trained, certified XRF lead inspector. XRF testing is not always the most accurate and is the most expensive method.

All of our employees at Cross Environmenatl Services are tested periodically for lead levels in the bloodstream to ensure their safety. Our employees that are licensed to handle lead stay registered with the Department of Health and Safety (DHS) and are DHS lead certified. In addition, we have a DHS certified supervisor on staff to oversee all lead removal projects. We have the experience, people and equipment to do the job right, the first time. Our customer’s satisfaction and providing a safe environment are our primary goals.

CES has performed more than 750 lead-based paint abatement projects over the last ten years. Our projects have included multi-family public housing, single-family residences, historic rail stations, industrial/manufacturing plants, government and military installations, commercial buildings, bridges, water towers and public and private schools. We have successfully employed a variety of lead abatement techniques that include; chemical stripping, HEPA shrouded needle-guns, component removal, stabilization, encapsulation and wet blasting.

39646 Fig Street  |  PO Box 1299  |  Crystal Springs, FL 33524
1-800-922-7677
813/783-1688  |  Fax 813/788-9114