Lead safety is a health issue—and a project-planning issue—especially in older homes and rentals.
If you own or manage property in Henderson, Nevada, lead paint and lead dust may be a concern—particularly in homes built before 1978, when residential lead-based paint was banned in the U.S. (epa.gov) Whether you’re preparing for a remodel, responding to water damage that disturbed painted surfaces, or planning to make a home safer for kids, professional lead abatement and removal services help control risk the right way—without spreading contamination through the property. Apex Home Services provides certified, safety-first restoration and hazardous-material solutions designed to return your home or business to a clean, pre-loss condition.
Quick clarity: Lead problems aren’t always obvious. Many children exposed to lead have no immediate symptoms, and even low levels of lead in blood can negatively affect development. (cdc.gov) That’s why prevention—especially during renovation—is a big part of lead safety.
Why lead becomes a problem during repairs, remodels, and “simple” paint work
Lead-based paint is most dangerous when it’s disturbed. Sanding, scraping, cutting, drilling, demolition, and even window replacement can create fine dust that spreads through HVAC returns, settles on floors, and clings to clothing. The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule exists specifically to reduce exposure to lead dust created during these activities. (epa.gov)
In real homes across Henderson—especially older housing stock and long-held properties—lead risk often shows up during: kitchen/bath remodels, drywall repairs, trim and door replacement, roof/soffit work, flood cuts after leaks, and surface prep for painting.
Lead removal vs. lead abatement: what’s the difference?
Homeowners often use “lead removal” as a catch-all phrase. In practice, there are a few approaches that may be recommended depending on the building, the scope of work, and the goal (safety, compliance, renovation prep, etc.). Under federal lead programs, “abatement” has specific meaning and requirements, and rules have been updated in recent years. (epa.gov)
| Approach | What it typically means | When it’s commonly used |
|---|---|---|
| Lead-safe renovation (RRP) | Controls dust and debris while performing renovation/repair/painting work in pre-1978 housing using required work practices. | Remodels, repairs, repainting, flood cuts, window/door work. (epa.gov) |
| Lead abatement | A regulated set of actions intended to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards (often includes clearance and specific reporting). | When there’s known lead hazard, higher-risk occupants (kids/pregnancy), certain housing programs, or formal hazard reduction needs. (epa.gov) |
| Encapsulation / enclosure | Sealing lead paint under a specialized coating or covering it with new materials to prevent dust and chips. | When paint is intact but needs long-term control, and surfaces can be properly prepared and maintained. |
What professional lead abatement & removal services typically include
A professional lead project should do more than “clean up.” The goal is to prevent lead dust from being created or spreading, then confirm the area is safe for re-occupancy. Under EPA guidance for lead-safe work, key concepts include containment, avoiding certain high-dust methods, HEPA-equipped cleaning, and verification procedures. (epa.gov)
1) Inspection, risk identification, and a clear scope
The first step is understanding what surfaces may contain lead paint, which areas are affected, and whether the project is renovation work that must be performed with lead-safe practices. Homes built before 1978 are the common trigger for added precautions. (epa.gov)
2) Containment to keep dust where it belongs
Proper containment uses durable barriers, controlled entry/exit, and protection for adjacent rooms. This is one of the most important steps because lead dust is easy to track to bedrooms, carpets, and common areas. EPA lead-safe work practices emphasize containment to prevent dust and debris from leaving the work area. (epa.gov)
3) Lead-safe removal/repair methods (and avoiding prohibited practices)
Methods vary by surface (trim, plaster, stucco, windows, doors), but the big rule is: don’t create unnecessary dust. The EPA highlights prohibitions like open-flame burning and the use of power tools without HEPA exhaust control. (epa.gov)
4) HEPA cleaning + verification/clearance steps
A lead project isn’t complete when the debris is bagged. Professional cleanup uses HEPA filtration and wet-cleaning approaches, followed by a verification step designed to reduce remaining dust hazards. EPA’s RRP guidance describes thorough cleanup and verification as core requirements. (epa.gov)
Step-by-step: what to do if you suspect lead paint in your Henderson property
Step 1: Check the build year and your project scope
If the home (or portions of it) were built before 1978, plan for lead-safe precautions before sanding, scraping, demo, or repainting. (epa.gov)
Step 2: Don’t dry-sand or start demolition “to see what’s behind it”
Disturbing painted materials is the fastest way to create airborne dust that spreads throughout the home. EPA lead-safe work practices are designed to minimize dust creation and prevent it from leaving the work area. (epa.gov)
Step 3: Use qualified professionals for testing and control options
Hire teams trained to work lead-safe, with proper containment and HEPA controls. EPA also recommends using certified lead-safe contractors for pre-1978 homes when doing renovation/repair/painting projects. (epa.gov)
Step 4: Protect high-risk occupants (kids, pregnancy, pets)
Children are especially vulnerable, and most don’t show obvious immediate symptoms after exposure. (cdc.gov) If you believe a child may have been exposed, ask a healthcare provider about a blood lead test (it’s the best way to know). (cdc.gov)
“Did you know?” quick facts homeowners often miss
Lead paint dust is a common exposure source in young children—especially when renovations disturb older paint. (cdc.gov)
Federal rules require certification and lead-safe practices for firms performing paid renovation/repair/painting in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities. (epa.gov)
Disclosure matters for rentals: Southern Nevada Health District guidance highlights that lessors must disclose known lead-based paint/hazards for pre-1978 target housing and provide the federally approved lead pamphlet. (southernnevadahealthdistrict.org)
The Henderson angle: why lead risk can show up even in a “dry climate”
While Southern Nevada is known for low humidity, lead concerns aren’t limited to damp regions. In Henderson, lead hazards often show up through age (older paint), wear (high-traffic doors/trim), and projects (remodels, tenant turns, insurance repairs). Another common trigger is emergency restoration: water damage can require removal of baseboards, drywall, and trim—exactly the kind of disturbance that can create dust if lead-safe controls aren’t used.
If you’re planning a renovation near Green Valley, older neighborhoods, or long-held rental properties, it’s smart to treat lead safety as part of your scope—right alongside water damage restoration, mold remediation, and other health-focused repairs.
Ready for a safer, cleaner project plan?
If your Henderson property may involve lead paint or lead dust—especially before sanding, demolition, repainting, or post-loss repairs—Apex Home Services can help you map the safest next steps and provide professional lead abatement and removal services.
FAQ: Lead abatement and removal services
How do I know if my home in Henderson has lead paint?
Homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint. (epa.gov) The most reliable way to know is to use qualified testing and then plan lead-safe work practices if you’ll be disturbing painted surfaces.
Is it dangerous to sand or scrape old paint before repainting?
It can be. Sanding/scraping can create lead dust if lead-based paint is present, which is why the EPA requires lead-safe work practices and prohibits certain high-risk methods (like open-flame burning and using some power tools without HEPA controls). (epa.gov)
What are common symptoms of lead exposure?
Many children have no obvious immediate symptoms, but lead exposure can harm learning, behavior, and development. (cdc.gov) Adults may experience symptoms too (like headaches, abdominal pain, mood issues, or concentration problems), but symptoms alone are not a reliable way to confirm exposure. (mayoclinic.org)
Do landlords in Southern Nevada have to disclose lead hazards?
For pre-1978 “target housing,” lessors must disclose known lead-based paint and/or hazards and provide the federally approved lead pamphlet to tenants, per Southern Nevada Health District guidance. (southernnevadahealthdistrict.org)
Can I do lead cleanup myself?
The EPA advises using lead-safe work practices for DIY projects, but many situations are best handled by certified professionals due to containment requirements and the risk of spreading dust through the property. (epa.gov)
Glossary (plain-English)
Abatement: A regulated set of actions intended to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards; it typically involves specific procedures and post-work verification/clearance expectations. (epa.gov)
RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) Rule: An EPA rule requiring training, certification, and lead-safe work practices for paid work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and certain child-occupied facilities. (epa.gov)
Containment: Barriers and controls that keep dust/debris inside the work zone so it doesn’t spread to clean areas—an essential lead-safe practice. (epa.gov)
HEPA: High Efficiency Particulate Air filtration—used in specialized vacuums and air scrubbers to capture very fine particles, including lead dust, during cleanup and control work.
Helpful reading for property owners: EPA’s “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” pamphlet is a widely used federal resource for understanding lead hazards and prevention steps. (epa.gov)