How Do You Get Rid of Lead-Based Paint?

How you get rid of lead-based paint starts with confirming it is actually present, then choosing the safest way to control or remove it while keeping dust exposure as low as possible. Lead work is high risk, so larger projects and homes with children or pregnant people should involve certified professionals.

Why lead-based paint is a problem

Lead-based paint becomes dangerous when it deteriorates or is disturbed, releasing invisible dust that can be ingested or inhaled, especially by children. It often shows up on windows, doors, trim, and exterior surfaces in homes built before 1978.

Step 1: Confirm it’s lead-based paint

Before planning any work, confirm what you are dealing with. You can:

• Check the age and history of the property; older homes are more likely to contain lead-based coatings.
• Use an approved lead test kit or hire a trained inspector or risk assessor to identify lead-painted surfaces and measure dust levels.

These steps help you decide whether targeted repairs, ongoing management, or full abatement is needed.

Step 2: Decide how to manage or remove it

There are three main strategies for dealing with lead-based paint, and “removal” is not always the first or best option.

Encapsulation uses a specially formulated coating to seal intact lead paint in place, turning a hazardous surface into one that can be safely used and cleaned as long as the coating is maintained.

Enclosure covers lead-painted components with new materials such as drywall, paneling, or new trim, keeping the underlying paint in place but isolated from contact. When paint is badly damaged or components are failing, removal or replacement may be necessary, using methods such as wet scraping, limited wet sanding with HEPA vacuum attachments, chemical strippers designed for lead, or replacing entire items like windows and doors.

Step 3: Lead-safe work practices

If any disturbance or removal happens, the way the work is done is just as important as the method chosen.

• Set up a contained work area with plastic sheeting, warning signs, and restricted access.
• Avoid practices that create high levels of airborne dust or fumes, such as open-flame burning, uncontrolled power sanding, or high-heat guns.
• Use wet methods, HEPA-filter vacuums, and thorough wet cleaning when work is complete, followed by dust wipe sampling where required.

These practices reduce spread of lead dust into adjacent rooms, HVAC systems, and outdoor soil.

For general background on lead in homes, you can also review guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/lead and health-focused information from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead.