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Lead exposures from varnished floor refinishing.
Joseph Schirmer1, Jeff Havlena, David E Jacobs
1Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
|April 13, 2012
Summary
Lead exposure from refinishing varnished floors in older homes is a significant risk, with high levels of lead dust found. However, using dust collection bags and HEPA vacuums effectively controls these hazardous lead exposures.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Safety
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lead-based varnish was historically used in housing construction.
- Floor refinishing activities can aerosolize lead-containing dust.
- Controlling lead dust exposure is crucial for preventing lead poisoning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lead presence in varnish and dust during floor refinishing.
- To identify factors predicting lead exposure.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of dust suppression methods.
Main Methods:
- Lead in varnish, settled dust, and air were measured using XRF, laboratory analysis, and NIOSH Method 7300.
- Step-wise logistic regression analyzed data from 35 homes.
- Lead dust and airborne lead levels were compared to federal standards.
Main Results:
- While no varnish samples exceeded federal lead limits, 52% exceeded 5000 ppm, and 70% of settled dust samples surpassed 40 μg/ft(2).
- Refinishing pre-1930 homes or stairs predicted higher floor lead dust.
- Laboratory analysis of varnish lead correlated with airborne lead (r = 0.23, p = 0.014).
Conclusions:
- Floor refinishing in older homes with varnished surfaces generates significant lead dust.
- Implementing dust collection bags and HEPA vacuums substantially reduces lead dust and airborne lead.
- These methods effectively control lead exposures during floor refinishing.
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