In addition to day-to-day cleaning and good nutrition:

• You can temporarily reduce lead hazards by taking actions such as repairing damaged painted surfaces and planting grass to cover soil with high lead levels. These actions (called “interim controls”) are not permanent solutions and will need ongoing attention.
• To permanently remove lead hazards you should hire a certified lead “abatement” contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is nor permanent removal.

Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems - someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to dean up thoroughly. Certified contractors will employ qualified workers and follow strict safety rules as set by their state or by the federal government.

Once the work Is completed, dust cleanup activities must be repeated until testing indicates that lead dust levels are below the following:

• 40 micrograms per square foot (mg/ft2) for floors, including carpeted floors;
• 250 mg/ft2 for interior windows sills; and
• 400 mg/ft2 (or window troughs).

all your state or local agency (see bottom of page 11) for help in locating certified professionals in your area and to see if financial assistance is available.