Lead Paint Fact Sheet
What is lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring element that is soft and malleable. It can be found in all parts of our environment. While it has beneficial uses, lead can also be toxic to humans and animals.
Where can lead paint be found on campus?
Lead was added to paint until 1978 to speed up drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance, and resist moisture.
Lead can be found on painted building components in buildings constructed before 1978, including window frames and sashes, shutters, door frames, and trim, and in building paint.
When is lead paint hazardous?
Lead paint is a hazardous substance; however, the risk of exposure is minimal unless it is disturbed or made into dust. The dust needs to be in the breathing zone or ingested. Lead paint is a concern when it begins to deteriorate, crack, or peel, or when it is sanded or demolished.
How does Dartmouth manage lead paint?
Dartmouth has several buildings constructed before 1978 that are presumed to have lead paint. Painted surfaces are tested for lead prior to renovation or construction activities, and if lead is found to be present it is managed in a manner consistent with both U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Lead-based paint that is deteriorating is managed as follows:
- Work will be performed under the guidance of the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department.
- The area is “wet wiped,” and a HEPA vacuum cleaner is used to remove dust from the space.
- Once the area has been cleaned of dust, either Dartmouth EPA-trained painters or an outside qualified contractor scrapes the paint onto a drop cloth to collect the chips and paints over the affected area to encapsulate the older paint.
- The paint chips are disposed of as hazardous waste.
- Other work practices may be employed in consultation with EHS.
What can building occupants do to protect themselves?
Building occupants should report cracking or peeling paint to either Dartmouth Facilities Operations & Management (FO&M) or Residential Operations as soon as it is observed. Dartmouth Environmental Health and Safety will work with FO&M and Residential Operations to inspect the area and develop a plan to clean and repaint, eliminating the hazard.
Because lead primarily enters the body through ingestion, concerned occupants should wash their hands before eating or drinking.
Resources
Dartmouth Environmental Health & Safety
Environmental.Health.and.Safety@dartmouth.edu
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration: https://www.osha.gov/