Lead Paint in Pre-1978 Park Hill Homes During Fire Repairs

Why a fire raises the stakes

Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, and houses built before then often have it on trim, windows, doors, porches and walls under later layers. Intact paint is a limited risk. Paint that is blistered by heat, knocked loose by firefighting or turned into dust by sanding and demolition is a different story.

Fire repair work in an older house touches almost every painted surface. Trim gets pried off, plaster gets cut, windows get scraped, and smoke-stained walls get sanded before priming. Each step can release lead dust that settles into the floors and contents that were just cleaned.

Federal rules from the EPA generally require firms doing renovation work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 homes to be certified and to follow lead-safe work practices. Colorado's health department also runs lead programs. Exact requirements depend on the type of work, so ask anyone you hire how they comply.

What lead-safe fire repair work usually includes

Testing painted surfaces that will be disturbed, or treating them as lead-containing.
Plastic sheeting and containment around the work area, with doors and vents covered.
No open-flame burning or high-speed sanding of painted surfaces without proper controls.
HEPA vacuums for cleanup rather than dry sweeping.
Debris bagged and removed rather than carried through clean rooms.
A cleaning verification at the end, before contents are moved back.

Soot cleaning versus lead work

The two overlap on the same surfaces, but they are not the same task.

Soot and smoke cleaning

Removes residue from the surface
Uses sponges, vacuums and cleaners
Usually does not disturb paint layers
Focuses on odor and appearance

Lead-disturbing repair

Removes or breaks paint layers
Involves scraping, sanding, cutting or demolition
Requires containment and lead-safe practices
Focuses on dust control and verification

Questions to ask contractors

Is your firm certified for lead-safe renovation work, and can I see the certificate?
Will painted surfaces be tested, and by whom?
How will you contain dust in an occupied house or near cleaned rooms?
How will you verify the area is clean before contents return?
Is the added cost of lead-safe work reflected in the insurance estimate?

General information for Park Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.