Therefore you should take precautions when removing the old material. However, most of the risk from lead is due to the long term exposure to the paint, so the precautions you have been taking should be adequate.

Does old varnish have lead?

Compared with federal standards, no lead in varnish samples exceeded 1.0 mg/cm(2), but 52% exceeded 5000 ppm and 70% of settled dust samples after refinishing exceeded 40 μg/ft(2). Refinishing pre-1930 dwellings or stairs predicted high lead dust on floors.

Does wood varnish contain lead?





Lead in varnish is typically found on floors, stairs, doors, windows and wood trim, and even old baby cribs. Even if a varnish surface is intact, the child can swallow some lead by chewing on the varnished surface.

Does old wood stain have lead?

It is not uncommon for dark stain finishes like this to test positive for both Lead and Arsenic. I typically see wood stains of this era (in a range of colors / shades) testing positive for Lead at levels as high as 1,500 ppm (or higher) and for Arsenic at levels in the range of 150 to 300 ppm.

When did they stop using lead in varnish?

Where and how is lead dust created in an old home? A. If your home was built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned, assume there is lead in any painted surface. The main sources of lead dust are found in deteriorated paint around windows and doors, and on stairs, railings, banisters, porches and fences.

When was lead removed from varnish?

Presume all paints and varnishes applied before 1980 contain lead including finishes on old toys, furniture and playground equipment. Therefore you should take precautions when removing the old material.

How long does it take to get lead poisoning?





How long it takes a child to absorb toxic levels of lead depends on the concentration of lead in the dust. Rosen says that in a typical lead-contaminated housing unit, it takes one to six months for a small child’s blood-lead levels to rise to a level of concern.

What are the symptoms and possible result of lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning symptoms in adults



Joint and muscle pain. Difficulties with memory or concentration. Headache. Abdominal pain.