Painted surfaces can be tested to determine if lead is present. If tests find lead on a painted surface, that surface presents a potential health hazard. The higher the amount of lead found on a surface, the more of a potential hazard the surface presents. Surfaces disturbed through remodeling or repainting. Surfaces subject to friction or abrasion, such as windows, doors or floors.
Primary measures are actions that result in more permanent control of lead hazards.
These actions may or may not be necessary, depending on the hazard reduction achieved with the interim measures. Homeowners should not attempt large lead based paint control projects. Consider instead, hiring a certified lead hazard contractor to do the work. The following are the preferred primary reduction measures. These measures create less lead dust than other measures.