Circumstances were such that paint was noticed peeling off the wall in the north stairwell at Horace Mann. Additionally, when there is a preschool program within a school building, paint should be assessed for lead hazards prior to any repairs being preformed.
Concerns:
- Repair area greater than 1.0 square feet [IAC 641-69.3(135)] was performed by district maintenance personnel which involved scraping of painted surface under the direction of the Physical Plant Director in a pre-1978 facility for a period of approximately four weeks .
- Work area (stairwell) was accessible by building occupants.
- No prior notice or distribution of pamphlets was given to building occupants before repair starts, nor were signs posted.
- District maintenance personnel performing the repair was not trained.
- Building occupants possible exposure to lead.
Federal law requires that contractors/ building owners performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 and in child care facilities and schools built before 1978, that a child under six years of age visits regularly, to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. See EPA's Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right.
Note: Beginning April 22, 2010 renovators must be certified and follow lead safe work practices.
What is the Horace Mann lead report illustrating?
Paint chips sampled from north stairwell were above the allowable levels for lead. Note: Risk equals the hazard (lead) times duration of exposure (approximately four weeks) plus individual sensitivity.
Why is lead dangerous?
Lead gets into the body when it is swallowed or inhaled. People, especially children, can swallow lead dust as they eat, play, and do other normal hand-to-mouth activities. People may also breathe in lead dust or fumes if they disturb lead-based paint. People who sand, scrape, burn, brush, blast or otherwise disturb lead-based paint risk unsafe exposure to lead.
Lead is especially dangerous to children under 6 years of age.
Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous
systems, causing:
• Reduced IQ and learning disabilities.
• Behavioral problems.
Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.
Lead is also harmful to adults. In adults, low levels of lead can pose many dangers, including:
• High blood pressure and hypertension.
• Pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer lead to their fetus.
What are the requirements of preschool facilities with regard to lead?
Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 44-109 specifies minimum requirements for licensed child-care centers and preschools and defines those child-caring environments that are governed by the licensing standards. The licensing standards govern among other criteria health and safety within the physical facility. See excerpt on the following page from IAC 44 -Chapter 109 page 22.
109.11(7) Environmental hazards.
a. Within one year of being issued an initial or renewal license, centers operating in facilities built prior to 1960 shall conduct a visual assessment for lead hazards that exist in the form of peeling or chipping paint. If the presence of peeling or chipping paint is found, the paint shall be presumed to be lead-based paint unless a certified inspector as defined in department of public health rules at 641—Chapter 70 determines that it is not lead-based paint. If the presence of peeling or chipping paint is found, interim controls using safe work methods as defined by the state department of public health shall be accomplished prior to a full license being issued.
Who do I contact if have I concerns of lead exposure in preschool?
You can contact your Child Care Consultant in your area.
What local agency can I contact if I want more information or have concerns of lead exposure to kindergarten aged children or building occupants?
You can contact the Iowa Department of Public Health
How do I get tested for lead?
The only way to test for lead-poisoning is have your health care provider perform a blood test. Note: Blood lead level testing is required in the state of Iowa before entering kindergarten. See this link for more information.
District contact - Facility issues:
- Paul Schultz, Director of Physical Plant - Keeps current of new regulations regarding safety and training of employees and their implementation. Office: 319-688-1251
- Dave McKenzie, Assistant Director Physical Plant - Ensures district compliance with required Public Safety and Health Issues related to schools. Office: 319-688-1252
- Paul Bobek, Executive Director of Business Services - Public records keeper and oversees all physical plant operations. Phone: 319-688-1000
Additional information:
- EPA's lead hazard information pamphlet: Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF)
- RENOVATION, REMODELING, AND REPAINTING RULE (RRP) AMENDMENTS TO 641- CHAPTER 70, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- 641 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Chapter 69
- Healthy Homes Collaborative, Lead FAQ
- asmalldoseof.org/lead
