Silica Dust and Lead-Based Paint Are Dangerous.
Silica dust and lead based paint are byproducts of many seismic retrofits procedures. Epoxy bolts and holdowns require drilling into the concrete foundation which creates silica dust. Removal of sheetrock or plaster which was painted with lead-based paint must be done very carefully so no one is exposed to dangerous lead based paint. We are certified by the EPA in the safe handling of silica dust and lead based paint. This webpage is devoted to warning you about their health effects and how to avoid exposure to both of these dangerous substances.
This video shows what happens if measures are not taken to protect yourself and others from carcinogenic silica dust and how a simple tool is all you need to handle it safely.
This doctor is speaking about the hazards of lead-based paint. In seismic retrofit work, it is not uncommon to remove hazardous lead-based paint. Bay Area Retrofit is certified in the safe removal of lead-based paint.
Epoxy Bolts And Silica Dust Exposure
Epoxy bolts are installed by drilling holes in the concrete foundation. Drilling into concrete creates fine and very dangerous silica dust. In order for the epoxy to be effective, dust in these holes must be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions which are described above. Even though doing this will expose the contractor and anyone in the vicinity to silica dust.
OSHA has requirements for its safe handling. “Safe Handling” means not using compressed air as described in images numbers 2 and 4 above. Anyone in the vicinity of holes being blown out with compressed air as required by the manufacturer will be exposed to this debilitating carcinogen.
Contractors have two options: They can either use dust masks to protect themselves and have them fit-tested once a year as required by OSHA or use hollow drill bits which extract the dust from the hole while it is being drilled. The former option still has the potential of exposing the public to silica dust. The latter option is 100% safe for everyone concerned.
Lead Based Paint
Sometimes it is necessary to remove plaster or sheetrock that contains lead based paint so we can access the foundation, the floor above, and the 2 by 4 wall framing. Lead based paint, in the form of dust or chips, can lead to very serious health problems including brain development in children and precautions must be taken.
We have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency for the safe handling of lead-based paint. This means we have been trained to keep all paint dust confined to the work areas and that it does not spread into the rest of your house. We do ask that you stay out of the work areas where we have removed plaster or sheetrock so that we keep your exposure to zero.
MAKING SURE LEAD TOXIC PAINT AND DUST DO NOT ENTER THE REST OF THE HOUSE.
REMOVAL OF PLASTER TO FOUNDATION AND WALL FRAMING CAN BE ACCESSED FOR SHEAR WALL.
