35.05 – Management of Lead-Containing Paint

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Last updated: October 7, 2024

A. General. Prior to 1978, lead was added to many paints, and some stains, lacquers, varnishes, and other coatings, as a pigment and drying agent. Lead is a hazardous material that when inhaled or ingested can cause reproductive problems, memory and concentration problems, high blood pressure and hypertension, muscle and joint pain, nerve disorders, and damage to the brain and nervous systems of children. Any interior or exterior surface, including doors, windows, and other woodwork, may be coated with a lead-containing paint. Lead can be released from these surfaces by sanding, sawing, cutting, abrading, demolishing, weathering, and accidental damage. Surfaces coated with lead-containing paint that are in good shape and are undamaged do not pose a health risk. Surfaces must be tested prior to any activities that may disturb suspected materials.

A-1. Items That May Be Coated With Lead-Containing Paint. The following are examples of items that may be coated with lead-containing paint: For facilities built prior to 1980, any building component that is coated with paint, stain, lacquer, or varnish; painted or coated toys, especially from China; painted playground equipment; street and curb paints.

A-2. Requirements. The exposure to lead and disposal of lead waste is regulated by federal and state regulations. Proper procedures must be followed when working with lead-containing paint materials to ensure people are not exposed to lead and the surrounding area is not contaminated. These procedures include appropriate work practices, use of personnel protective equipment, and monitoring of the work area. Wastes generated from these activities may meet the definition of a hazardous waste and must be disposed of according to regulations.

B. Inspection. The Environmental Health and Safety Office, (208) 885-6524, must be contacted prior to any activity that will or may disturb, damage, or remove known or suspected lead-containing paint materials. Environmental Health and Safety personnel can test surfaces to determine if lead is present and can sample the material to determine if it must be disposed of as a hazardous waste.

C. Procedures.

C-1. Damage or Removal of Lead-Containing Paint Material. If any known or suspected lead-containing paint material is accidentally disturbed, damaged, or removed, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office immediately at (208) 885-6524.

C-2. Testing of Items for Lead-Containing Paint. If items are suspected of containing lead in the paint, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office, (208) 885-6524, for sampling and testing of these items.

C-3. Arranging for Surveys Prior to Renovation or Demolition. Contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at (208) 885-6524 prior to conducting any renovation project or demolishing any area, building or structure to determine lead-containing paint survey requirements.

D. Educational Opportunities. Personnel whose activities may disturb lead-containing paint materials should attend a Lead Awareness course. Please contact Environmental Health and Safety, (208) 885-6524, for information regarding this course.

E. Information. For additional information regarding the management of lead-containing paint, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at (208) 885-6524.

Version History

Amended October 2024. Minor edit to update owner position title.