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| Lead Specialist |
| How much lead does your home contain? |
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Jason Bawden-Smith, an environmental scientist, set up JBS Environmental Services two years ago in an effort to reduce human exposure to a range of environmental chemicals and micro organisms. He runs a comprehensive lead detection service.
Lead is a highly toxic element that, when inhaled or ingested as lead dust, paint chips or in drinking water, is stored in human tissue, blood and bone marrow. Ingested lead can cause permanent damage to organs and the central nervous system. Lead contaminated dust is one of the most immediately accessible sources of lead exposure for children and adults.
Children up to six-years-old and pregnant women are particularly prone to lead hazards. If lead is chipping, flaking, or located on a chewable surface and accessible to children, it presents a potential health risk. Lead in dust form is the most hazardous.
Lead paint and glaze was banned for residential use in the early '70s. Homes built before this period are highly likely to have lead paint on some surfaces - particularly if they were built during the Victorian or Federation periods.
The testing method involves an X-ray fluorescence spectrum analyser. With this, Jason can tell within 20 seconds whether a surface contains lead, and if so, how much there is and whether it's on the surface or buried under coats of paint. Samples are collected to test dust, soil, water and the air.
The most common lead containing areas are wooden surfaces such as skirting boards, picture rails and exterior weather board. Glazes on ceramic surfaces in the past typically had a high lead content. This is difficult to see and is tested using dust wipes.
Risk is determined by the amount of lead paint present, its condition, accessibility, renovation work and possible cleaning techniques. Some options are:
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If lead paint is found on many surfaces but is under coats of non-lead paint and not accessible to the family, then removal often isn't necessary.
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A layer of non-lead paint can be painted over the lead paint to seal the lead in.
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Dust during renovations should be minimised. Wet sanding can be used, and abrasive blasting and mechanical sanding avoided, along with heat guns.
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Reduce possible contamination by covering the carpets and soft furnishings with plastic sheeting. Vacuum and wet mop afterwards.
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Clearance testing ensures that there isn't any harmful dust remaining on the surface following the completion of renovation work.
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Cost
Basic consultation: $120
Lead in soil: $50 per sample
Lead in ceiling dust: $50 per sample
Lead on hard surfaces: $50 per dust wipe
Lead in carpets/rugs: $80 per sample
Lead in water: $50 per sample
Lead in air: $180 per sample
Detailed report with recommendations: $250
(The report takes 7 days to compile)
Do-it yourself test kits are available from $100.
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More Info
For further information contact:
JBS Environmental Services and Technologies,
P.O. Box 1480,
Bondi Junction NSW 1355.
Ph: (02) 9665 6250 Fax: (02) 99315 7912.
E-mail: jbawdensmith@jbsenv.com.au
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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