Top 100 Lead Paint Terms

Abatement - The process of reducing or eliminating lead paint hazards.

Absorption - The process by which lead particles are taken up by the body or a material.

Acetate - A compound used in lead paint formulations.

Additive - A substance added to paint to improve its properties.

Aggregate - A material mixed with paint to provide texture or increase volume.

Air Quality - The measure of pollutants, including lead particles, in the air.

Analysis - The process of examining materials to detect the presence of lead.

Assessment - The evaluation of a building or site to identify lead hazards.

Barrier Coat - A coating applied to prevent lead from leaching or being released.

Base Paint - The foundational layer of paint, often containing lead in older buildings.

Binder - The component of paint that holds pigments together.

Blood Lead Level - The amount of lead present in the bloodstream.

Bonding Primer - A primer that ensures paint adheres to surfaces.

Bridge Paint - Paint used on infrastructure, often historically containing lead.

Burnishing - The process of polishing painted surfaces, potentially releasing lead.

Caution - A warning or alert about potential lead hazards.

Certification - Official recognition that an individual or organization meets lead safety standards.

Chalking - The formation of a powdery residue on painted surfaces, which may contain lead.

Chemical Stripping - The use of chemicals to remove lead paint.

Children’s Items - Objects that must be free of lead paint due to safety regulations.

Cleanup - The process of safely removing lead-contaminated materials.

Coating - A layer of paint or protective material applied to surfaces.

Colorant - Pigments used in paint, which may have historically contained lead.

Concrete - A building material that may be coated with lead-based paint.

Contamination - The presence of lead in the environment or on surfaces.

Control - Measures taken to manage or reduce lead hazards.

Cornice - An architectural feature that may be coated with lead paint.

Coverage - The extent to which paint covers a surface.

Crawl Space - A small area under a building where lead hazards might be present.

Damp Cloth - A method for cleaning lead dust from surfaces without spreading it.

Deterioration - The breakdown of paint, which can release lead particles.

Disposal - The proper handling and discarding of lead-contaminated materials.

Disturbance - Any activity that disrupts lead paint, potentially releasing lead dust.

Drying Time - The time it takes for paint to dry, important in lead-safe practices.

Dust - Fine particles, including lead, that can settle on surfaces.

Educational Materials - Resources provided to inform about lead paint hazards.

Encapsulation - The process of covering lead paint with a sealant to prevent exposure.

Endangered Species - Animals at risk, which may be protected from lead contamination.

Environmental Hazard - Any element, including lead paint, that poses a risk to the environment.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - The U.S. agency that regulates lead safety.

Exterior - The outside of a building, where lead paint may be present.

Exposure - Contact with lead, whether by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

Federal Lead-Based Paint Program - U.S. government initiative to reduce lead hazards.

Filler - A material used to repair surfaces before painting, which may contain lead.

Finishing Coat - The final layer of paint applied to a surface.

Flash Point - The temperature at which a material can ignite, relevant to paint safety.

Flooring - Surfaces that may be contaminated by lead dust or paint.

Formulation - The specific composition of a paint, including potential lead content.

Grit Blasting - A method of surface preparation that can release lead dust.

Hazard - A risk or danger, such as lead paint in a home.

Health Hazard - Any substance or condition, like lead, that poses a risk to health.

High-Pressure Water Jetting - A method of removing paint that can release lead.

Humidity - The amount of moisture in the air, affecting lead paint deterioration.

Ingestion - The process of swallowing, which can lead to lead poisoning if lead is present.

Inorganic Pigment - A non-carbon-based pigment that may contain lead.

Interior - The inside of a building, where lead paint may be found.

Iron Oxide - A compound sometimes used in lead paint.

Isolation - The practice of separating lead hazards from people.

Joint Compound - A material used in construction that may contain lead.

Labeling - The process of marking materials to indicate the presence of lead.

Latex - A type of paint that does not contain lead, often used as a safer alternative.

Lead Abatement Worker - A trained professional who removes lead hazards.

Lead-Based Paint - Paint that contains lead, common in buildings before 1978.

Lead-Contaminated Soil - Soil that has been polluted with lead, often from lead paint.

Lead Dust - Fine particles of lead that can be inhaled or ingested.

Lead Exposure - Contact with lead, which can cause health problems.

Lead Hazard - A situation where lead poses a risk to health.

Lead Paint - Paint that contains lead, used historically in buildings.

Lead Safe - A condition or practice that minimizes the risk of lead exposure.

Lead Soil Test - A test to determine the presence of lead in soil.

Lead-Based Paint Inspection - An assessment to identify the presence of lead paint.

Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessment - An evaluation to determine the risk of lead exposure.

Lead-Based Paint Survey - A comprehensive examination of a property for lead hazards.

Lead-Safe Renovation - Renovation practices that prevent lead exposure.

Limitation - Restrictions or conditions, often related to lead safety regulations.

Liquid Waste - Waste material in liquid form, which may be contaminated with lead.

Low-Pressure Water Jetting - A gentler method of removing paint, reducing lead dust.

Maintenance - Regular care and upkeep to prevent lead hazards.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - A document providing information on lead-containing products.

Medical Monitoring - Regular health checks to detect lead exposure.

Metal Primer - A primer used on metal surfaces, potentially containing lead.

Microscopic Particles - Tiny particles, including lead, that can be hazardous when inhaled.

Mitigation - Actions taken to reduce or eliminate lead hazards.

Molding - Decorative trim that may be coated with lead paint.

Mop - A cleaning tool used to remove lead dust from floors.

Multi-Family Housing - Residential buildings with multiple units, often subject to lead regulations.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - U.S. agency that provides guidance on lead safety in workplaces.

Non-Hazardous Waste - Waste material that does not pose a significant risk, as opposed to lead-contaminated waste.

Organic Pigment - A carbon-based pigment that does not contain lead.

Paint Scraper - A tool used to remove paint, potentially releasing lead dust.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Gear worn to protect against lead exposure.

pH - A measure of acidity or alkalinity, relevant to the stability of lead paint.

Pigment - A substance that gives color to paint, sometimes containing lead.

Plastic Sheeting - Material used to contain lead dust during renovations.

Pointing - The process of filling gaps in masonry, which may involve lead-containing materials.

Polyurethane - A type of coating that can be applied over lead paint for encapsulation.

Porous Surface - A material that can absorb lead particles, making it difficult to clean.

Pressure Washing - A method of cleaning surfaces that can release lead if not done carefully.

Primer - A preparatory coating applied before painting, potentially containing lead.

Protective Clothing - Clothing designed to protect against lead exposure during work.