I've got this old garage that's been peeling paint, and I just found out it has lead in it. I'm already planning to knock it down since it's in pretty bad shape and doesn't even have a concrete foundation. My main concern is safely handling the lead dust while demolishing it. Would a P100 3M respirator be enough protection for me? Also, I noticed my posts keep getting downvoted and removed—any idea why?
3 Answers
Honestly, lead paint wouldn’t stop me from tearing it down. I’d just go for it and probably burn most of the wood afterward. Just be cautious about any damage to surrounding structures. But really, if you don’t have kids around, just make sure to wear a mask and be careful about dust contamination getting into your home.
You can probably handle the demolition yourself, but it really depends on your local regulations regarding lead removal. And don’t forget about how you’ll dispose of the waste! If you’re not too worried about the rules, just make sure you use some good personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ingesting lead particles is definitely a bigger risk for young kids because of their developing brains. If you don’t have kids around, you should be okay! Just make sure to wear a mask and keep an eye on any dust that gets on your clothes – you could accidentally bring that lead dust into your living space.