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Lead-based paint has been found in my home. Can I let it be, or do I have to remove it?
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According to most state and local regulations, lead-based paint that is intact and is not coating a friction, impact, or chewable surface may remain in place as long as it does not begin to deteriorate, or is subject to friction, impact or chewing.
Contact us for more detailed information.
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Are there any other situations where lead-based paint is hazardous?
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Dust that accumulates near components containing lead-based paint causes ;ead poisoning when eaten or inhaled. Also, airborne lead dust resulting from non-safe construction work presents an inhalation hazard. Toxic fumes result from lead-based paint that is burned.
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When is lead-based paint considered a hazard?
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Lead-based paint is considered hazardous if any of the following conditions exist:
- Lead-based paint is damaged or deterioated, or the component itself is damaged;
- Lead-based paint is located on a component subject ro friction and/or impact;
- Lead-based paint is located on a chewable component.
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How can I comply with Federal, State, and Local regulations when removing asbestos containing materials from my property?
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State and local regulations differ from place to place. A qualified environmental consultant can discuss your situation with you and give you direction. You could also check out the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state and local government websites for additional information. Please see the 'Industry Links' section of our website for a comprehensive list of government websites for the New York area.
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Must I remove asbestos containing materials if they are present on my premises?
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Asbestos containing materials are not a hazard if they are in good condition and left in place undisturbed.
However, in accordance with the requirements of the NYC DEP Title 15, NYS Department of Labor (DOL) Industrial Code Rule 56, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, if you need to carry out maintenance, renovation, demolition or any other type of work that could potentially disturb the asbestos containing materials, they must be removed by a licensed contractor prior to any work being done.
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When do asbestos-containing products become a health risk?
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Asbestos becomes a risk when an asbestos containing material becomes friable (i.e. starts to crumble, flake or deteriorate) from accidental damage, cleaning, construction and remodeling activities, or simply from age. When this happens, minute asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs. Fibers can also cling to clothing and tools where they are later dislodged from cleanup operations releasing them into the air.
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How dangerous is asbestos?
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Asbestos has been identified as a carcinogen and is dangerous only when the fibers become airborne from being disturbed. If these fibers are inhaled into the lungs they may cause significant health problems. Because the mineral is virtually indestructable, it persists in the tissue and concentrates over time. Although there is no known "safe level" of exposure to asbestos, it is known that prolonged exposure and being exposed to greater concentrations of asbestos, increases the risk for contracting an asbestos related disease. Some of these diseases include cancer of the lungs and stomach. Furthermore, the symptoms of asbestos related diseases may not appear until about 10 to 40 years after first being exposed.
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What is Asbestos and where is it found?
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Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiberous mineral found in rock and soil deposits throughout the world. Asbestos has been mined for its useful properties as an efficient thermal insulator, its fire retardant abilities, and its high tensile strength. For these reasons, asbestos has been used extensively throughout the construction and building industry in the past.
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