Lead paint has to be handled with significant care or it can become a hazard.
This creates a situation where you have to be laser-oned about your approach and how you handle the paint.
In some cases, you might forget about the damage lead paint can do when it’s in the air. This includes a situation where you have accidentally sanded lead paint.
If you have accidentally sanded lead paint, start by airing out the room, removing pets/children from the property, and ensuring all accessible surfaces are cleansed. This will ensure the lead is not breathed in.
Do not take a risk when it comes to exposure to lead paint.
While small amounts are not as dangerous as a more consistent exposure (i.e. painters), it is still important to remain attentive as soon as this happens. Sanding lead paint is dangerous and you have to take action as soon as possible.
This guide is going to go through a few steps for anyone that has accidentally sanded lead paint.
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Steps If You Have Accidentally Sanded Lead Paint
1. Air Out The House
While one-time exposure to lead paint dust is not the end of the world, it is still important to be proactive.
You will want to consider removing any pets or children from the room until you have had the chance to do a full inspection.
If you have sanded lead paint without a mask, you will also want to pay attention to your well-being. This is something you should not take a risk with and putting on a mask during the cleanup is just as critical.
Get the mask on and then begin to work on airing out the room.
This includes opening windows and/or doors that will let the air come in. This is going to make it easier to remove the lead paint particles that are sifting through the air in your home.
2. Wipe & Clean All Accessible Surfaces
You will now want to look to get a clean cloth and begin wiping down all accessible surfaces in the room and house.
This can include using a cleaning agent to wipe the surfaces.
The goal is to make sure the lead paint particles are not sitting on any surfaces that will be touched by children and/or pets. This is not just important for them but also for you or anyone else that is in the house.
Be vigilant when removing lead paint from a house and make sure to take your time with each step including this one.
3. Set Up A New Air Filter
You will also want to look at a more long-term fix.
This is going to come in the form of setting up a new air filter.
The HEPA air filter is going to be useful because it will help cleanse the air of nasty lead paint particles that are floating around. You will want to do something that goes beyond just airing out the room.
In a traditional house, the air filter will play a big role in helping out.
You will want to take advantage of it and make sure to set up the air filter as soon as possible.
4. Consider A Professional Inspection
This is something you want to think about.
It is not just about inhaling lead paint dust while sanding but also making sure you are taking a look at the rest of the house.
You do not want anyone else to inhale the lead paint dust whether it is yourself, pets, or children in the home.
As a result, it is best to look at calling someone with years of experience to take a professional reading.
They will know what to look for and will also have the equipment to take a comprehensive reading around the house. They will go through the various rooms and assess each aspect before coming back with a detailed report.
Final Thoughts
This is a critical set of steps to follow if you have accidentally sanded lead paint.
If you have accidentally sanded lead paint, the best place to start is by putting on a mask and airing out the room. Once done, wipe all relevant surfaces with a clean cloth and use a cleaning agent too. Lastly, set up an air filter to cleanse the air.
This is how you are going to make sure the lead paint dust does not get inhaled as you are walking around.
Being quick and proactive from the beginning is going to go a long way when it comes to yielding the results you are hoping for.
Do not overlook this if you have sanded lead paint at home and want to get rid of it instantly.
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