I'm currently remodeling my 1860 house in San Francisco, and we started this project before our baby is due. We had some demolition work done on the lath and plaster in a long hallway and ceiling while trying to keep the baseboards intact. Unfortunately, the general contractor (GC) didn't adequately protect the area, and after we came back to the house, everything was covered in dust. Although we were there for a week primarily in our protected bedroom, I later decided to replace the damaged baseboards and tested them for lead, given their age. The results came back positive for the baseboards, some dust, and lath/plaster nearby. We've since left the house and went to a hotel, but now I'm really worried about my pregnant wife and the potential lead exposure. I asked the GC if it was safe before we returned, and she assured me it was. Now, I'm not sure what to do next. Any advice on how concerned I should be and what steps we should take?
3 Answers
You’re in a tough spot, but try to relax a bit. My experience tells me that lead isn’t something that travels around looking to cause harm—it's mainly dangerous from ingestion or chronic exposure. Make sure you're careful when dealing with the dust and old materials, and sealing any potential lead sources with a couple of coats of quality paint can help. Plus, calcium supplements might assist in preventing lead absorption, just to be on the safe side. Focus on getting tested and don’t stress too much—chances are, everything will be alright!
It sounds like you might not have had significant lead exposure, but it’s definitely wise to get tested for peace of mind. Lead is more harmful with long-term exposure—like someone working constantly with it—rather than a short visit. Talking to a doctor is key, and if you're really concerned, they might recommend a blood test for both of you to be sure everything is okay. Just remember, it's probably just a matter of dust, not a huge airborne risk.
Honestly, based on experiences I’ve heard, you should be okay. Lead is heavy, and it settles rather quickly, so as long as you weren't breathing in a large quantity or ingesting paint chips, the exposure risk seems pretty low. Just stay out of the contaminated areas, and I recommend a good thorough clean-up using soapy water to lower any remaining lead dust. But check in with the doc just to be safe!
Thanks, that’s some relief! We just found out about the pregnancy, so there's a lot going on. I’ll definitely look into getting checked out soon.