Lead-based paint
Sources of lead-based paint
Lead may come from a number of sources. The biggest source of non-occupational exposure to lead is lead-based paint.
Until 1965, many paints on the New Zealand market had high lead levels. This was particularly true of pre-1945 paints.
Even if a building has been recently painted, it may have been painted with lead-based paints or have layers of old paint covered by modern paint.
Today only special-purpose paints contain lead, and these are clearly labelled.
It’s not possible to tell lead-based paints by their appearance, but there is a simple test that can detect whether the paint is a health risk. If a building was built in the 1980s or earlier, it is best to presume that it has been painted with lead-based paint. Contact the health protection officer at your local public health service (external link) if you are unsure.
Safety points for removing lead-based paint
Whatever method you use for removing lead-based paint, always take the following precautions.
- If you’re removing paint from the inside of your house, remove the curtains and furniture from the room and cover the carpets before beginning the job. After sanding, wet wipe surfaces to remove dust and then use a commercial vacuum cleaner fitted with a high efficiency dust filter.
- If you’re removing the paint from the outside of a building, make sure all windows and doors are closed to prevent contamination inside.
- Collect all paint debris on a groundsheet large enough to contain all the debris. If you’re working on a scaffold, tie a sheet underneath to catch falling paint. If you’re removing paint by water blasting, try to collect all flakes of paint from the surrounding area.
- Clean the area around the groundsheet with a commercial vacuum cleaner fitted with a high efficiency dust filter to collect any other paint debris. Dispose of the contents immediately. After sanding, wet wipe surfaces to remove dust and then use a commercial vacuum cleaner fitted with a high efficiency dust filter.
- Wrap up all paint debris securely and, for small amounts, put out with the household refuse collection or take to the rubbish tip. If in doubt, check with your local city or district council.
- Do not burn paint debris.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area and make sure they don’t eat or play with paint debris.
Methods of removing paint
| Method | Safety measures |
|---|---|
| Wet sanding: This is the preferred option to reduce dust. | Ensure that any residue is cleaned up. |
| Scraping | Ensure any debris is collected and the area cleaned up. |
| Abrasive blasting: Check any WorkSafe New Zealand or regional council requirements. | Not to be used for properties and structures built or painted before 1970 or for boats because of the lead content of the paint and the large amounts of uncontrolled dust generated. |
| Blasting with heat: An electric paint stripper, hot air blower or blow torch will heat the paint and blister it, so that it can be scraped off. Note that the use of a blow torch will produce lead fumes. Beware also of fire risk. |
Wear a toxic dust respirator if using a hot air blower, blow torch or electric paint stripper. Have a fire extinguisher or water handy in case of fire. If using a blow torch indoors, make sure that windows are open. |
| Chemicals: Usually used for small surfaces such as window frames. | Wear safety glasses, overalls and gloves to avoid contact with the skin. Keep the room well ventilated. Follow any instructions on the label. |
| Dry sanding by hand or machine: sanding machines, such as orbital sanders, disc grinder sanders, pistol grip disc sanders and belt sanders, should be fitted with vacuums where possible and the safety measures should be strictly adhered to. | If you use any type of machine, wear a toxic dust respirator. This is important even when using a belt sander with an extraction bag (only partially effective). Cover ground/carpets with a dust sheet. Keep children and pets away from work area. |
| Waterblasting: For outside surfaces. | Clean up paint flakes. Use water to flush debris to a collection point for disposal. Prevent flakes spreading to other properties. |
Protecting yourself while removing lead-based paint
- Before eating food or smoking, carefully wash and dry your face and hands.
- When not actually working, change out of contaminated overalls (especially if dry sanding). Wash contaminated clothes separately.
- Before handling children, carefully wash and dry your face and hands and change out of contaminated clothing.
- To prevent dust accumulating in your hair, wear a hat or cover your hair (especially when dry sanding).
- When sanding, making dust, or burning off lead-based paint, wear a good quality, properly-fitted, toxic dust respirator. If using a disposable type, only those with double head-straps are suitable. Respirators should meet the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 1716:2012 (Respiratory Protective Devices) and AS/NZS 1715:2009 (Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment). Further advice on respiratory protective equipment is available on WorkSafe New Zealand’s website (external link).
- Do not smoke while removing paint as the hand-to-mouth contact may increase the risk of eating or inhaling lead paint dust.
Effect of lead on the garden
Vegetables and fruit grown in soil contaminated by lead-based paint are safe to eat as long as they are carefully washed to remove dust and soil from the leaves on the outside of the plant.
If safety precautions haven’t been taken, soil may be contaminated and the top layer may need to be removed.