The Dangers of Lead
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health complications when people are exposed to it, even at low levels. Lead exposure has been linked to cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, anemia, kidney damage, hypertension, fertility issues, and pregnancy risks. Additionally, children exposed to lead may experience physical growth and cognitive development complications. The adverse effects of lead make it essential to be diligent in identifying and removing sources of exposure in homes, apartments, offices, and other commercial locations.
What Building Materials Commonly Contain Lead?
Older homes and buildings may contain lead materials, including but not limited to the following:
- Paint: Lead-based paint was commonly used on the interior and exterior of buildings constructed before 1978, when the United States banned lead paint. When the paint deteriorates or is disturbed by renovations, it can release toxic lead dust.
- Pipes and plumbing: Older plumbing systems may have lead pipes or solder connections. Corrosion or disruptions to these components can contaminate drinking water with lead.
- Ceramic tiles and glazes: Some older ceramic tiles may contain lead in the glazes. Damaged or deteriorating tiles can release lead dust.
- Dust and soil: Lead dust can accumulate on surfaces, especially near lead-painted areas. It follows that exterior soil around homes with lead-based paint can become contaminated with lead.
What Makes Us Different?
Benefits of Working with our expert team
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Proudly serving LA, Ventura, Orange, and Riverside Counties, we offer free estimates and a commitment to quality. Our local expertise and dedication to safety make us the go-to choice for abatement services in Southern California.
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Home inspectors, realtors, building owners, and damage restoration companies trust us for our professionalism and thoroughness. Our reputation in the industry is built on delivering exceptional service with integrity.
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We specialize in a wide range of abatement services tailored to meet your specific needs. Plus, our emergency services ensure we're there when you need us most, providing prompt and effective solutions.
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With almost three decades of experience in asbestos, lead, and mold abatement, Sky Blue Environmental stands as a trusted leader. Our long-standing presence in the industry is a testament to our dedication and expertise.
Identifying Lead Materials in Your Building
Knowing whether your building has lead-based paint or other lead-containing materials is the first step toward mitigating the problem. The only way to know for certain is through a professional inspection. A licensed lead inspector can take samples of paint, soil, and other materials to accurately identify the presence of lead.
We do not perform testing at Sky Blue Environmental since it would create a conflict of interest. However, we do offer comprehensive abatement services. If you confirm that your building has lead-contaminated materials, you can turn to us confidently for a solution.
Techniques for Lead Abatement
Lead abatement involves reducing or eliminating lead hazards in an indoor/outdoor environment to prevent exposure risks. Depending on the source of lead in a building and the extent of the issue, we can use several abatement methods.
- Paint Removal: When lead-based paint is in good condition, encapsulating the surface with a specialized coating that prevents lead dust from being released is feasible. In other situations, chemical stripping and wet sanding/scraping are optimal. These approaches remove lead paint and minimize the spread of lead particles.
- Sandblasting: In addition to the above, sandblasting is a lead-based paint removal option. When used for lead abatement, it must be done cautiously to prevent lead dust dispersion. During sandblasting, enclosures and barriers are crucial for confining lead particles. Ventilation systems are also essential for capturing dust and directing it away from workers and others nearby.
- Ceramic Tile Removal: As its name suggests, this method involves carefully removing tiles to minimize breakage and dust generation. Additionally, it requires packing and properly disposing of the lead-contaminated tiles and adhesives.
For Lead Abatement in San Fernando, Trust Sky Blue Environmental
Our licensed, insured, and highly experienced team is prepared to help keep your building safe for those who live, work, or spend time inside or around it. Whether you are beginning a renovation project that would disturb lead-containing materials or have discovered your building has deteriorating lead paint, contact us for reliable abatement solutions. Do you want to know what others in the area have thought about our work? Visit our reviews page to read testimonials from our many satisfied customers.
Find out how we can help you by calling (888) 373-8832 or connecting with us online. Once we have more information about your situation, we can give a free estimate for the abatement project.
Can I Remove Lead From My Home?
Removing lead from your home on your own is not recommended. Lead, commonly found in older homes in paint, dust, and soil, poses serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. DIY lead removal can unintentionally spread hazardous lead dust throughout your home, making the situation worse.
We are trained and certified to safely handle and remove lead materials in San Fernando. We use specialized equipment and follow strict safety protocols to ensure that lead is contained and removed without risking contamination to other areas of your home.
Attempting to remove lead without proper training can expose you and your family to harmful lead particles, leading to long-term health issues like cognitive problems and developmental delays. Hiring Sky Blue Environmental ensures your home is properly assessed, lead is safely removed, and your living space is tested afterward to confirm that it’s lead-free.
Trust us to handle lead abatement for peace of mind and to protect your family’s health. Reach out today for lead removal services in San Fernando. (888) 373-8832