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MushroomFunForAll t1_je9rg6e wrote

Yea, you really don’t want to sand lead-based paint.

If you scrape the old paint it must be caught in a drop cloth and disposed of as hazardous waste. Otherwise it contaminates the top soil. Don’t use a heat gun to loosen it — you will get a kind of lead-infused gas.

If you can encapsulate it, you should be okay although some might say you are just postponing the inevitable need for removal.

Best is to replace the trim if possible.

Note that the fine black dust on the window sill (where the bottom sash is seated when closed) may be lead contaminated too.

Use gloves and seriously keep any children well away from the whole project. It doesn’t take much to poison a child and the effects can be permanent.

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meatybone t1_je9wmxt wrote

I with this dude. Beside the lead, the time it would take to strip them is probably about the same to rip them off and replace. Also, you'll end up with a nice, smooth fresh paint job

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YoureGrammerIsWorsts t1_jeb03hd wrote

Also if the trim is old enough to have lead paint, it also likely has some water damage

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loverlyone t1_jeai3z6 wrote

I would add that over time as the window is opened and closed lead dust can build up on the sills and baseboards as it is worn down through use.

When I was with early intervention we recommended peopke wash sills and baseboards with a cleaning solution high in phosphates, such as Spic N Span or automatic dishwasher powdered soap. You mix ¼ cup to 1 gallon warm water, and wear rubber gloves while cleaning. Wipe surfaces with the phosphate solution, then rinse with clean water. Change water in buckets for each room or as necessary, and pour water down toilet.

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chillywillylove t1_jedf1gp wrote

Heat gun is actually one of the safest ways to remove lead paint.

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