Lead Testing of Paint

Lead Risk Assessments and Inspections:

Lead poisoning can be caused by inhalation and ingestion of lead.  Paint and other surface coatings can possibly contain lead.  When a job or project involves work that may create dust or fumes by disturbing the coating(s) matrix, specific handling procedures can be determined by testing the coatings for lead content. Contact REM Industrial Hygiene section for help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is Lead?
Answer: A heavy silver gray metal that is highly ductile.

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Question: Where might I encounter Lead-containing materials while working at Purdue?
Answer: Lead is found in lead based paints, shower pans, copper pipe joints.

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Question: Why should I be concerned about lead?
Answer: When lead-containing dust is inhaled or ingested the dust is absorbed into the body. If enough dust is ingested or inhaled it can make you ill.

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Question: Will having Lead-containing materials in my work area hurt me?
Answer: Only if I conduct work operations that generate dust or fumes from the lead-containing material or you handle lead or lead containing material and do not wash your hands before eating or smoking a cigarette.

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Question: What should I do if I have to work with or on a material that I suspect may contain lead?
Answer: Contact your foreman or supervisor.  He/she will contact Environmental Health and Safety and request that a sample of the material be analyzed for Lead.

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Question: What should I do if my intended work operation is going to disturb Lead-containing materials?
Answer: Contact your foreman or supervisor.  He/she will then contact the Environmental Control and Abatement Department and the Asbestos Coordinator.  They will then have the Lead-containing materials removed in a safe manner using properly trained and protected personnel.

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Question: What types of work practices might cause me to be over exposed to Lead?
Answer: Sanding or grinding lead-containing paint. Welding or torch cutting on lead-containing paint.