Lead paint on old windows: the risks and how to replace them safely

Old painted wood windows, frames and walls may contain lead paint. Lead exposure can cause serious illness, especially in children. That is a strong reason to replace old windows, and an equally strong reason to have the work done by a company trained to handle lead safely.

Why lead paint is dangerous

Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Lead builds up in the body over time. Children under six are most at risk, because lead can profoundly affect their mental and physical development. Lead-based paint, and the dust it produces, are the most common sources of lead poisoning in children.

Windows are a particular concern. Simply opening and closing an old window creates friction that can release lead-paint dust, decades after the paint was applied.

In adults, effects can include high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, memory and concentration problems, headaches, mood disorders and fertility problems. In children, they include damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed growth and hearing problems. People who appear healthy can still carry high levels of lead, with symptoms that appear only later.

Is there lead paint on your windows?

If the house was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead paint somewhere, especially if the original windows remain. By 1978 the federal government had banned lead paint for consumer use, but it is still present in millions of homes, often under newer coats.

Intact paint over lead is usually not a problem. Any surface that is peeling, chipping, cracking, scratched, damaged or damp is a hazard and needs prompt attention.

• Paint from the 1970s or earlier very likely contains lead.
• Home test kits are available, but they are not always reliable.
• Your local health department or a lead testing service can test for you.
• A qualified window installer can test before the work begins.

Why not remove it yourself

Scraping or sanding lead paint raises toxic dust and chips. Even a small amount of dust from a DIY repair can be enough to harm a child. Replacing lead-painted windows is generally safer than stripping them, provided it is done correctly. Homeowners who do take on the work should learn lead-safe work practices first. Painting over lead paint with an encapsulant is another option, because it seals the paint without creating dust.

The EPA RRP rule

The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule requires contractors who disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 to be certified and to follow lead-safe work practices. The work must be done by certified renovators trained by EPA-approved providers. The rule also covers apartments and child-occupied facilities, such as schools and day care centers, built before 1978, so landlords must follow it too. Ask to see your installer’s certification.

How a lead-safe replacement is done

• The installer decides whether containment is needed inside, outside or both. Sometimes the work can be done from one side, with the other sealed.
• Pole and plastic shroud systems contain the work area and keep dust out of the air.
• Surfaces are misted with water to keep dust down.
• Painted joints are cut out carefully to avoid chipping, then the parts holding the sash are removed and the sash taken out.
• All dust, debris and removed window parts are sealed and disposed of safely.