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Lead Based Paint Hazards

04 April

“Federal law requires contractors that disturb painted surfaces in homes, child care facilities and schools, built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Always ask to see your contractors certification.”–from the EPA Renovate Right Pamphlet .

Lead based paint is common in older wood stained glass window frames. It can be found on the interior or exterior surfaces of the window.Lead Based Paint

If you see paint with an appearance such as Fig. A, the paint may be lead-based. If your building contains a child care facility or school, it currently falls under EPA guidelines.

The greatest hazard from lead based paint is paint dust, which can be swallowed on food or breathed into the body. Children are at the greatest risk, but adult exposure can be harmful as well.

Before working on stained glass windows, the contractor should test for the presence of lead based paint on the window frames, as surfaces may be disturbed if a window panel is removed or any work is done to the frame or window sash.

Should lead-based paint be discovered, renovation work must be performed by a lead-safe certified firm.

Stained Glass by Shenandoah Lead Safe

Our EPA Lead Safe Certification