Lead Abatement

Lead is a highly toxic metal, and has been found to cause serious, if not crippling, health problems including: damage to the nervous system, brain and kidneys. Lead can enter the body through drinking, eating, or simply breathing in lead dust. Children and Industrial Workers are most at risk for Lead Poisoning.

Lead is found in many products such as paint, solders, cans and batteries. Lead enters the home as follows:

• Paint - Lead paint was used on 50% of homes built during the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s. The percentage of homes built prior to 1940 that contain lead paint is the greatest.

• Soil and Dust - Paint which has fallen to the ground, or has been abraded, remnants of automotive work and industrial pollutants containing lead, can all be present in soil. Soil can then be tracked into a house by occupants and pets, and may also enter through open windows and doors. 

Environmental Hazards Management (EHM) has established itself as a leader in the abatement of lead hazards. EHM was the first Vermont company with Lead trained employees. 

EHM participated in the establishment of Lead guidelines and regulations through Local and State Task Forces. 

The lead contamination issue was brought to the forefront due to the increased awareness of Lead Poisoning. Accordingly, expensive options, including full abatement of the lead hazard, are often selected. 

EHM has taken a unique position with respect to the control of lead hazards. Operations and Management through proper washing and vacuuming, coupled with limited removal of high exposure lead paint, has been our most common control measure; however, there are still instances where full removal measures are appropriate.  EHM will work with the building owner to select the safest, and most cost-effective option available. 

We stock a full complement of lead abatement equipment, including: HEPA vacuums, HEPA filtration devices, protective gear, as well as supplies such as stripper, tri-sodium phosphate, waste bags, and encapsulants.

Beyond the usual “lead paint issue” lie other lead hazards, for example: lead contaminated sand from firing ranges. When encountering other lead hazards, EHM is available to package the material, decontaminate the entire work area, and arrange for proper transportation and disposal of all waste materials. 

For safe, sensible and cost-effective control of lead hazards, EHM is available to meet your service needs. 

EHM is fully insured, and all of our technicians are fully trained and licensed.