Old paint and renovation: how can you protect a child from lead dust?

Old lead-containing paint can remain beneath newer layers. When it deteriorates or is disturbed during work, dust and paint chips can expose a child. Homes built before 1949 are particularly relevant, although their age does not prove that a specific wall contains lead.

Before the work, consult the lead exposure risk report, known in France as the CREP, available from the owner or landlord. It helps identify recorded risks in the home. A visible newer coat is insufficient to establish that the old paint is gone.

Tell the professional planning the work what you intend to do and whether a child or pregnant person is present. Lead can be absorbed by ingestion or inhalation and poses particular risks to them. Arrange protection before sanding or stripping.

Keep the child away from the renovation site throughout the work. Protect them from dust and paint chips instead of relying on a temporary position away from the work within the room. This separation is part of planning the work.

During the work, regularly clean floors with water, then arrange thorough cleaning before the family returns. Damp cleaning avoids dispersing dust. Ameli advises against using a broom or an ordinary vacuum cleaner without a very high-efficiency filter.

Also wash the child’s hands and toys to limit ingestion of dust. Before starting, confirm with the professional who is arranging separation and cleaning. These protective measures do not, by themselves, determine whether someone has been exposed.