Where do Workers Find Lead Paint?

Lead-based paint was predominantly used in structures built during or before the 1970s. Manufacturers used lead in paint to prevent corrosion and to develop brighter, longer-lasting colors.

Workers may encounter lead-based paints when doing reconstruction or demolition projects on older buildings. Lead-based paints were used in factory and industrial settings much more recently than in homes, as well. In fact, lead paint is still used in many road projects: much of the paint used to make the markings in parking lots or in the middle of roads is lead-based because it lasts longer and is brighter. Construction workers and demolitionists can both expect to encounter lead-based paint.

Concerns About Lead-Based Paint

The biggest concern about lead-based paint is lead poisoning. Lead is a heavy metal, which the human body cannot process. If lead enters the body, it will remain there for a long period of time, possibly entering the blood stream. It can cause intense abdominal pain, mental confusion, and sudden personality shifts, among other things. It may result in permanent brain damage and eventually death.

According to the EPA, one of the most common sources of lead poisoning is deteriorating lead-based paint (check out their resource on lead here). The fact is, lead-based paint kept in good condition is relatively harmless. Most cases of lead poisoning come from flaking paints. Microscopic particles of lead dust are inhaled, or paint flakes stick to peoples’ hands unnoticed. The lead is then ingested. This is far more common on worksites where dust from old paint is continually released into the air.

Decontamination Trailers Protect Against Lead Poisoning

Whatever precautions are taken on the worksite, construction workers, demolitionists, and anyone else in contact with lead particles must take care not to bring the danger away from the worksite. Decontamination trailers prevent this.

Enviro Outfitters provides decon trailers that will ensure no hazardous material leaves the worksite. Our trailers are equipped with multiple showers and separate changing areas that will ensure the danger stays behind when you leave a site for the day. These decontamination trailers also ensure the comfort of the user and are equipped with central air conditioning and private changing areas. For more information on the technical specifications of our trailers, please click here.