Lead Abatement in Los Angeles

If It’s Bad, We Get Rid of It

Lead at any level is dangerous and professional removal is necessary to ensure that you are not exposed to toxic levels of it. At Burns Environmental Services, we specialize in the removal of all hazardous lead components, including lead-based paint and coatings. Our dedicated environmental cleanup team based in Los Angeles knows the intricacies of lead removal and we can answer any questions that you have about the process.

Is There Lead in Your Water?

Lead in your drinking water is a recipe for disaster. It builds up over time, often leading to serious and permanent health conditions. Older pipes, fittings, and lead service lines can all cause lead to leech into water supplies. But, how do you know if there is lead in your plumbing? Here are a few ways to check:

• Have Your Water Tested: This is perhaps the easiest way to determine if there is lead in your water supply. You can purchase an at-home kit or hire a professional if you are unsure about the process. The EPA produces fact sheets about water quality and testing that can help you get started.
• Stay Informed: All water supply companies are required by the EPA to produce an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) detailing water quality. This should give you an idea if any detected lead is coming from inside or outside of your home. If your water supply comes from a private well, know the common contaminants in your area that could get into your water. Check with local health officials for more information.
• Look for Certified Plumbing Products: Regulations dictate how much lead can be in plumbing materials. Products that meet or exceed these guidelines can receive certification with an accredited certification company. Any plumbing fixtures that have been certified will carry one of their trademarks, so look for them on your fittings and fixtures.
• Keep Your Family Safe: Lead can cause health conditions and complications even at low levels. It is particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women. Stay informed about the water quality in your home, and make sure you know if there is lead in your plumbing.

Common Sources of Lead

Lead exposure can have lifelong consequences. Some areas in your home or business may have lead without you realizing it.

It is always better to be safe than sorry – if you suspect that lead might be present anywhere on your property, call our team. We can conduct a safe and thorough inspection to determine where the lead is located and how best to remove it.

Why is Lead in Paint?

We've all heard how dangerous lead can be. However, for many years it has been mixed with paint for very specific reasons. For one, lead assists in the paint drying process. Also, it helps paint retain a fresh look for many, many years. Equally important, lead helps paint resist moisture. At the same time, its usefulness wasn’t just limited to paint. Throughout history, lead was used in all kinds of different items. For example, it was used in makeup, food, dinnerware, as well as paint. Even though it is incredibly useful, lead is also incredibly dangerous.

The danger of lead poisoning drove many countries to establish regulations to protect the public. Back in 1976, Canada passed the Hazardous Product Act to limit the use of lead paints and liquid coatings on children's products, household products, and furniture. The act also limited the use of lead-based paints and coatings on buildings (interior and exterior) frequented by children.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is an independent government agency, banned certain uses of lead paint in the U.S. in 1977. Because of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, the European Union banned lead paint in 2003. The Hazardous Substances Act of 2009 classified lead as a hazardous substance in South Africa. Going forward, you can expect to see more countries instituting similar regulations.

The Lead Removal Process

With lead abatement in Los Angeles, it's a job that needs to be left to professionals like our team at Burns Environmental Services. It is very unsafe to remove lead on your own, and you can put your health at great risk without the help of a trained professional.

Lead abatement requires proper planning, industry-standard equipment, and adherence to the laws and regulations that protect people and the environment. Only a professional lead abatement contractor with certification can do the job right the first time.