Is lead paint dangerous and why?

Usually built before 1960, may older homes and buildings have surfaces that have been decorated with a paint containing lead.  Lead was sometimes added to paint to speed the drying times and give the paint protective properties, even though the health risks were well known.  Lead is a soft, heavy metal that can be hazardous to health if breathed in or swallowed.   Some general advice is to always wear P.P.E. ( personal protective equipment ), including a face mask and goggles:  never burn off lead paint with an L.P.G ( liquid propane gas ) torch or gun and don't rub down the surface with dry sand paper as this will create dust that will carry into the atmosphere to be breathed in.  As a rule, on older properties, treat all paint as if it contains lead.

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