Lead abatement means to reduce lead hazards safely as not to create more exposures.

Home surfaces should be tested to verify the presence of lead.

Professional contractors exist that are trained to safely remove lead hazards from homes and buildings. DC law requires using a certified abatement contractor. Abatement can be an expensive option. The government of Washington, D.C. has a program to assist home or property owners with the costs of abatement. There is an application process and an eligibility requirement. Lead Safe Washington, D.C. is the program of the DC government. Please see the link at the left or CLICK HERE

The effected area should be closed off from the rest of the house/building with plastic sheeting to ensure that lead dust is not spread around. Furniture and carpets should be removed.

Only individuals wearing personal protective equipment should be allowed to enter the abatement area.

The Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that should be used includes:

• Disposable coveralls
• Respirator
• Goggles
• Shoe covers
• Gloves

Methods of Abatement Include:

1) Enclosure: This can be the easiest of all methods. The lead paint is covered with a wall covering. This is typically done for large surfaces such as walls.

2) Replacement: This method completely removing the door, window or molding that is covered in lead paint and replacing it with a new one.

3) Paint Removal: This method involves completely removing lead paint. This however will create lead dust and should be performed by a certified professional.

4) Encapsulation: This method not only covers but seals the effected area with a specific coating. This is less expensive but may not be used for all surfaces.

Be Sure to AVOID:

• Scraping dry paint
• Sanding the painted surface
• Using a heat gun or burning the surface with a torch
• Sandblasting the surface
• Chemically removing the paint

Please include this as another link from the Best Practices link. This will explain that the DC government has a program to assist individuals with abatement.

Lead Safe Washington DC

Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Assistance Program

Lead Safe Washington DC (LSW) is a program of the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development. The goal of the program is for low to moderate income families, with young children 6 years and younger, to have lead-safe affordable housing options. The program offers funds and technical assistance to aid in the reduction of lead based paint hazards to those who meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility:

Income eligible, single family, owner occupied housing with children under 6 years old can receive up to $ 17, 500.

Eligible owners of rental properties that house children under 6 years old can receive up to $12,500 per unit.

Income eligibility is based on the income of the owner occupants for single family dwellings or tenants in multifamily rental properties. Income cannot exceed 80% of the area median as established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Activities funded:

LSW will fund reduction activities in singe or multi-family rental units that meet the eligibility requirements. These include units that need lead reduction work in properties built before 1978.

These activities may include indoor and outdoor window treatment/replacement, treatment of floors, paint removal, stabilization, encapsulation, enclosure etc…