LEAD ABATEMENT / REMOVAL

Lead poisoning is highly toxic and considered to be one of the most serious ailments causing a number of behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death While efforts over the past two decades to eliminate the most common causes of lead poisoning have greatly reduced the number of people affected more can certainly be done. The State of Texas in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a series of ongoing educational programs and strategic plans to further eliminate lead poisoning. Businesses and homeowners can take advantage of screening services offered by HP EnviroVision to identify if any problems exist and to treat them if found.

The following is a brief summary related to Lead Abatement in Texas:

• Cause of lead in buildings: Prior to 1978 lead was a commonly used soldering agent in plumbing systems and in some water systems used to transport water from municipal water mains into homes and businesses. At one time, lead was also a common element in many household products, including lead-based paints and ceramic glazes. Even plumbing that has legally been termed "lead-free" may consist of up to 8% lead. Chrome-plated brass fixtures, fittings, and pipes also leach lead into water, especially if hot water is used.
• Where to look for lead: Lead is usually found in paint chips (which you can see), lead dust (which you can't always see), water lines using lead solder, and contaminated soil resulting from any number of industrial incidents.
• Effects of lead on humans: Lead poisoning has been shown to cause severe learning disabilities, reduced IQ, anemia and retarded physical and mental development. Symptoms include excessive lethargy or hyperactivity, reduced appetite, nausea, headache, and abdominal pain. If you are experiencing any of these systems contact a physician or emergency care provider immediately.
• Texas lead trends: In recent news, toys manufactured in China have been found to contain lead, causing toy maker Mattel one of the largest product recalls in history. Closer to home, lead poisoning and environmental problems related to lead are diminishing in Texas. This is due in part to specific prevention programs have been developed such as the Environmental Lead Program (ELP) whose mission is to protect the public, especially young children, from exposure to lead in their environment. The ELP administers the Texas Environmental Lead Reduction Rules (TELRR), which require, among other things:
  • Certification of persons and companies conducting lead inspections, lead risk assessments, and lead abatements;
  • Accreditation of lead training programs;
  • Performing inspections of lead abatement projects and other lead-based paint activities to determine compliance with the TELRR;
  • and Conducting enforcement-related activities, when necessary, in response to compliance inspections.
• Work Related Information: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) develops work practice standards and worker exposure limits to protect workers from occupational lead exposure.

HP EnviroVision Lead Removal Services

Our Lead Abatement process typically provides:

• A formal work plan / estimate from an independent third party consulting firm (in compliance with Texas state regulations)
• Establish a containment area to prevent further contamination
• Removal of the lead contamination sources
• Thorough cleaning of all surfaces to remove any lead materials
• The third party consultant verifies that the air levels are clear prior to closing out the project.

Don't take chances with firms that take shortcuts, fail to meet standards or are constantly at odds with Texas environmental agencies. Call HP EnviroVision to schedule a estimate for your lead remediation project.