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| Lead Overview |
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| All buildings constructed prior to 1978 has the potential to contain lead-based paint. Of the 64 million dwellings in the U.S. that contain lead-based paint, 3 million are in Illinois and one million are located in the Chicago area. Chicago has among the highest lead poisoning rates in the nation with over 55,000 children identified between 1997 – 2000.
If you suspect your building contains lead-based paint, have the area inspected by a licensed building inspector – especially if there are young children or pregnant women present.
For more information, contact Bain today!
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| Health Effects |
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| Lead exposure can cause a variety of health complications. The major pathways of lead into the body are ingestion & inhalation. Lead is especially toxic for children under the age of six and pregnant women, due to a higher lead absorption rate. Lead dust is especially dangerous for children, who can expose themselves to high amounts of lead through normal hand-to-mouth activities. An estimated 1.7 million children have blood-lead levels above safe limits set forth by the EPA.
| The following are common health effects associated with exposure to lead:
• Learning Disabilities
• Impaired Growth
• Hearing Loss
• IQ Decline
• Stomach Aches
• Mental Retardation
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| Where is Lead Found? |
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| Lead is primarily found in the exterior and interior paint of the building. Lead was added to paint for three main reasons: Color Enhancement, Increased Durability & as a Drying Agent. Lead-based paint is typically found in window systems, bathrooms, door jambs, soffits, chair rails and doors.
Lead in Water – Paint is not the only place you’ll find lead. Lead can also be found in drinking water, primarily through leaded solder, brass fittings/fixtures and primary service lines. If the building was constructed before 1978 and the original water piping is still present, it is recommended to have your water supply tested for concentrations of lead.
Lead in Soil – The soil surrounding a building can also contain lead. Leaded gasoline (deposited prior to phase-down in use), factory emissions, weathering and chipping of lead-based paint on the exterior of the building, and dust/dirt carried over from a construction site can all contribute to lead concentrations in the soil. This can become a health issue if there are children playing around the building, or you plan on performing landscaping.
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| Services |
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| • Lead-Based Paint Inspection – A licensed inspector will utilize an XRF sampling instrument to test all exterior and interior painted surfaces of the building for lead-based paint. This procedure is non-damaging to the painted surfaces, with on-site results.
• Lead Paint Removal - Bain is a licensed contractor for lead abatement for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Licensed workers perform all work with proper containment to protect the health of occupants. ESTIMATES ARE FREE, so Contact Bain Today!
• Section 8 Clearance Inspection – A licensed inspector will collect a dust wipe sample from each painted area noted in the section 8 report as being “Above Deminimus.” All painted areas that are noted as “Below Deminimus” must pass a visual inspection.
• Lead Risk Assessment – A licensed risk assessor will conduct a thorough inspection of the property to determine any lead hazards. Appropriate sampling may include dust wipes, soil sampling and water sampling.
• Abatement Clearance Inspection – A licensed inspector will visually inspect and collect dust wipe samples within the area where abatement occurred.
• Project Management/Air Monitoring – Generally performed during lead abatement activities or along the perimeter of the work area – used to determine exposure levels of lead in air. |
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