Lead paint sanded off by decorator, now very worried

6 years ago

I am very concerned and not sleeping well. On Wednesday a decorator sanded a window sill and skirting in my bedroom using an electric sander. I thought he was going to overpaint them and to my horror I have tested the old paint underneath with a 3M lead testing kit and the paint chips have turned pink indicating lead positive.

My children slept next door to the room in question for 12 hours that evening and I slept in a different room due to the dust. They then went to the grandparents while I have been cleaning everywhere for the last 3 days, buying a HEPA filter etc and wet wiping everywhere and washing all our bedding. It is a nightmare! I am also in process of ripping up the carpets (which were old anyway and about to be renewed) as I have read the dust can stay in the fibres.

On the advice of the local hospital (one doc was concerned, the senior consultant was not as worried) we have all had blood tests taken and the results will not be back for another 5 days. We do not appear to have any symptoms of lead poisoning but there was a lot of dust everywhere. The children were out at school at the time of sanding and back within a few hours of it having taken place. They also sanded (by hand) a fair amount easi fill from the ceiling so it is difficult to know if some of the dust which has travelled out of the room is from that.

I just pray the blood tests are normal. I also look at my lovely bed which is still covered in dust and my curtains and wonder if I will ever feel happy sleeping in there again!!!!

Has anyone else had this experience?

Comments (2)

rachelmidlands
6 years ago
I’m no expert on this but didn’t want you’re question to go unanswered so I did a bit of reading up. Lead is indeed dangerous stuff, especially for young children and pregnant women. As far as gov advice says you’ve done all the right things, damp wiping everything using a vacuum with Hepa filter etc. I do hope whoever sanded it was wearing the appropriate mask and goggles. Having said that, lead paint is quite common in older properties and I think I read somewhere that it’s about a sanded area of 6sq ft before it can reach any dangerous levels. Years ago decorators and d.i.yers never give it a thought and had no protection whatsoever and they haven’t dropped dead from lead poisoning. Unless you’re children have been physically licking the dust then I shouldn’t worry too much. Interestingly lead in the blood stream acts in the same way as calcium. The brain mistakes lead for calcium and processes it in the same way. If you’re concerned for you’re children (understandably) try upping the intake of calcium for a few days. More milk please:)
As for continuation of the decorating, if you want to strip off more paint then use a chemical stripper such as Nitromors or if the sanding is finished then paint over it to seal it in. Spray the carpet damp before removing to minimize any spread of dust and wash any bedding, clothing etc. with detergent. Do hope this helps to put you’re mind at rest.
design novice thanked rachelmidlands
design novice
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Hello Rachel

I am really touched and grateful to you for your response, it was so kind of you to take the trouble to research this. I also really appreciate the reassurance and some perspective. Too many American websites put the fear of God in me! I have spent another day wiping down every toy and the washing machine has not stopped for 3 days, washing all the bedding and rugs!

I will definitely be overpainting the rest of the wood surrounds in this house that is for sure. Never even thought to spray the carpet with water, great idea, the last carpet to remove is the one which was affected so will make sure I do that.

I don't think the decorator did wear a mask or goggles in fact he was so relaxed about it even when I told him the paint had tested as lead positive! Not sure he is aware of the risks.

Fingers crossed all the tests will come back as normal (although all this lead research made me also question if the water supply pipe is non leaded!!)

Again thank you Rachel for all your help and wise words!
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Lead paint sanded off by decorator, now very worried

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rachelmidlands

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Lead paint sanded off by decorator, now very worried

Comments (2)

rachelmidlands

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design novice
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