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If you watch Building Massachusetts December 2nd at 1pm you will get to see our owner John MacIsaac and if you cant tune in Saturday here is the clip!

A Brief History of Lead Paint Used in Art

Lead is a toxic element that can be extremely harmful to human health. The medical effects of lead weren't well understood until the early 20th Century, and it wasn't until 1978 that the Federal Government banned the use of lead in all consumer paint products. For hundreds of years before, lead white was used in commercially-produced house paint. But the history of lead paint in art stretches back thousands of years, at least to the 4th Century BC. Some of the greatest painters in history used lead paint.

Why Was Lead Used in Paint? 

Lead is a heavy element that is highly opaque. In paints, a small amount of lead can cover a large area. Lead white is especially effective at coating darker surfaces without the underlying color bleeding through. Further, lead is insoluble in water, meaning lead paint is highly resistant to rain and moisture.

What Artists Worked With Lead Paint?

Before the mid-1800s, it's easier to ask which artists did not use lead paint. Because the substance is so capable of covering large areas, it was especially popular with fresco and mural painters. It is widely believed that Michelangelo suffered from lead poisoning. Vincent Van Gogh and Francisco Goya are two others suspected to have been afflicted with (and, some say, inspired by) the delusional effects of lead poisoning.

When Did the Use of Lead Paint Decline?

In the 19th Century, lead white, vivid yellow lead chromate, and other pigments in artists' paints were phased out in favor of compounds using zinc, titanium, and other elements. Commercial use of lead paint peaked in the late 1920s when the medical consensus against the substance could no longer be ignored. The paint industry undertook a voluntary phase out in the 1950s, and by 1978 the material was completely banned. In 2010, the Federal Government passed the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule, or RRP Rule. Under this rule, anyone at risk of coming into contact with lead paint (through work on pre-1978 housing) must follow a number of regulations designed to protect human health.

Though it is no longer used by artists, lead paint can still pose a threat to homeowners and workers. If you're concerned about lead in paint, soil, or water, contact the experts at ASAP Environmental, Inc. to schedule a lead inspection today.

5 Reasons to Avoid Painting Over Lead Paint

In 1978, the amount of lead allowed in paint was limited by federal regulations, but surfaces painted before that date may still contain lead. If lead paint is found in the home after a proper inspection, it must be professionally sealed or mitigated; not painted over. Lead paint is a serious health hazard. The toxins can be ingested or inhaled, putting your family at risk. Here are five reasons why homeowners should never seal lead paint by painting over it.

1. It's Not Effective 

While encapsulation is an effective method of sealing lead paint and preventing fumes and chips from entering the environment, standard paint does not work for this purpose. That's because it fails to create an impenetrable barrier between the paint and the atmosphere.

2. Encapsulation Must Be Approved by the Government

After the lead paint inspection is complete, the chosen encapsulant must be approved by the state or local health department as well as the manufacturer before application. Lead paint encapsulation should not be a DIY project—only certified and experienced technicians should conduct it.

3. It Could Damage Architectural Details

Experienced technicians can perform encapsulation without damaging the structure. They are experienced with lead paint mitigation and can work around intricate carvings, crown moldings, and other unique features often present in older homes.

4. Surface Preparation Can Release Lead Paint Dust

A home's occupants should never be present during the surface preparation process, which may cause contamination with lead paint. Those who work for a reputable company take proper safety precautions before sealing lead paint.

5. Improper Encapsulation Can Increase Risk of Lead Paint Contamination

Damaged seals or those affected by water, heat, or other environmental factors no longer provide a protective barrier for surfaces that have lead paint. Encapsulation must be done correctly, and it must be protected from potential damage for it to be effective.

If lead paint is found in the home, the homeowner should avoid DIY remedies. The safest course of action is to contact a firm with vast experience in residential lead paint mitigation. Schedule an inspection with ASAP Environmental, Inc. today to get started.

How to Protect Against Lead-Contaminated Garden Soil

Growing one's own vegetables is fun, healthy, and even financially rewarding. However, there's a potential ingredient in some garden soils that represents none of the above. It's lead, and it's a threat to everyone's health. Here are some ways to deal with lead-contaminated garden soil.

Understand the Origins of Lead in Soil 

The presence of lead in garden soil is usually due to discarded gasoline or the remnants of lead-based paint. To a lesser extent, pesticides, lead-acid batteries, coal-based furnaces, and smelters are also culprits.

Recognize At-Risk Foods

A person affected by lead in garden soil has usually eaten vegetables contaminated in the garden or inhaled the soil through its dust. Lead is most easily absorbed and retained in root vegetables. Carrots and sweet potatoes are the most vulnerable, with leafy vegetables like lettuce and Swiss Chard also at risk. Fruiting vegetables like tomatoes are the least likely to be affected.

Compost to Dilute Lead's Presence

Adding an organic matter like compost dilutes the overall concentration of lead in garden soil, reducing the amount of lead that might be absorbed by vegetables. The iron oxides and phosphorus in compost also help retain the lead in soils and reduce its availability to plants.

Wash Vegetables to Remove Soil

The accidental ingestion of lead-contaminated garden soil can be avoided by vigorously washing all vegetables in pure, clean water. When a vegetable is hard to clean, get rid of its exposed areas, including the lower and outer leaves of leafy vegetables. Do note, however, that this is most effective for removing the soil. If the vegetable itself contains lead, washing will not make it safer to eat.

Choose the Garden Location Wisely

Confronting lead contamination can be as easy as choosing the place to plant a garden. If it's an old home, schedule a lead inspection. If it tests positive, don't plant vegetables near the house, where flakes of lead paint may have fallen.

Improve pH Levels

Soil pH is the measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, and it can affect how much lead is retained in the soil. Gardeners can adjust the pH level by adding sulfur or peat to make the soil more acidic, and adding lime to make the soil more alkaline (basic). Neutral and alkaline soils hold slightly more lead, which may help prevent the lead from spreading to the vegetables.

ASAP Environmental, Inc. is here to perform any lead paint inspection, risk assessment, dust testing, or clearance inspection that may be necessary. Call 800-349-7779 or fill out the online contact form today.

5 Steps for Ensuring a New Home Is Mold-Free

When buying a new home, mold can be a dealbreaker. This hidden health hazard compromises the home's air quality and can make residents ill. Here are the steps homeowners should take to ensure that the property is mold-free before settlement, including a mold inspection by a qualified professional.

1. Be Aware of Risky Areas

Mold spores begin to grow in areas with moisture. Therefore, it is common to find mold in homes
that have leaking pipes and faucets, damp basements, spaces that have flooded and never dried completely, walls that are tightly sealed and trap moisture, and rooms with poor ventilation.

2. Look for Telltale Signs

When shopping for a home, buyers should be aware of the factors that create optimal conditions for mold to grow. In any home under consideration, conduct a cursory mold inspection by checking for water stains or marks on the walls or ceiling, standing water in the basement, and musty smells, especially in areas with plumbing. Homes built with synthetic stucco require additional diligence since mold can grow within the walls if improperly installed.

3. Schedule a Home Inspection

After making an offer, buyers are entitled to a thorough home inspection, which should include a basic mold inspection. Ask the inspector to include information about noted water damage or potential mold in his or her report.

4. Ask for Disclosure

While sellers in Massachusetts don't need to disclose information about mold in the home, buyers can still ask the seller and his or her agent for this information. In addition, it is prudent to ask whether the home has ever flooded or had other water issues.

5. Add a Contingency

A buyer who wishes to make an offer on a house but is concerned about the potential presence of mold should add a contingency that allows them to back out of the deal if mold is found during a professional mold inspection.

Taking these five steps will help buyers ensure that they'll be happy and healthy in their new, mold-free abode.