While lead poisoning has been associated with renovation activities, published studies describing the potential contribution to lead exposure from sanding floor varnish have not been available.
Federal law defines lead based paint as follows: "The term lead-based paint means paint or other surface coatings that contain lead in excess of limits established under section 302 (c) of the lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act." These limits are 5000 parts per million measured as lead per weight of sample and 1 milligram per square centimeter as measured with x-ray fluorescence technology.
In a recent series of 80 floor varnish samples analyzed for lead, 19% exceeded the federal legal definition for lead based paint of 5000 parts per million (ppm) and 73% exceeded the US Consumer Product Safety Commision's limit for lead in new paint of 600 ppm.
Floor sanding operations have the potential to generate large amounts of dust containing both wood and lead.
Data comparing methods to measure and control lead exposure will be described.
Learning Objectives: After attending this poster or session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the distribution of lead levels in floor varnish. 2. Recognize and describe the tools and methods used to re-finish floors and to measure potential lead exposures. 3. Discuss methods used to evaluate and control lead exposure hazards to workers and occupants from floor sanding operations.
Keywords: Housing, Lead
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.