If your house was built before 1978, it probably contains some lead-based paint. Lead poisoning can cause permanent health problems, particularly in young children. Anyone working with it should be careful of exposing themselves to dust or fumes.

Before You Paint

Before you start scraping and sanding walls, windows and ceilings, here are some steps to take.

• Wear a respirator with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, said David Turpin, regional lead coordinator for the Chicago office of the Environmental Protection Agency. This will help pull any lead particles into the filter instead of keeping them in the air.

• Also, remove children's toys, clothes and books from the room.

• Seal off the room to minimize dust traveling around the house

Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring someone, make sure:

• The dust is contained - don't walk from room to room while working with lead. The dust will spread
• The work area is cleaned regularly. This involves sealing the room with plastic to keep the dust inside and limiting movement in and out of the room.

During the Painting

When scraping paint, spray water on the area to reduce the amount of dust that is generated. Do not bring food or beverages into the room. The dust could settle on a soda can, for example, and be ingested when you drink.

Don't smoke because you will get the lead on your hands and then you're putting your hand in your mouth.

Cleaning

After preparing the surfaces, clean all walls, floors, windows and ceilings that might have come into contact with lead dust or paint chips. Consider using a vacuum with a special HEPA filter instead of your regular household vacuum.

Be Aware of Other Contractors

When several people are working on different remodeling projects throughout a house, make sure each worker is aware of how to work with lead paint, Turpin said. Otherwise, a carpenter or electrician might cut into a wall and send lead dust into an area the painter has just cleaned, for example. 

It also is important to remove any work clothes before leaving the room. This will help prevent the particles from spreading to other rooms, your car and other places. "We do have people who contaminate their homes and their families by bringing it home from their jobs," Turpin said.

Washing Clothes

The clothes should be washed separately to avoid passing lead particles onto other clothing. Or, wear a disposable paper work suit over your clothes.

Depending on the scope of the project, home owners might want to avoid the area until the work is completed. If you can't move out, then work on the house in sections.

Outdoor Projects

When working outside, be aware that lead particles can settle into the ground and be carried across your yard and onto swing sets and decks. It is best to cover the ground under the area you are painting to help contain the paint chips.

For other information, try these resources:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead

Your state Department of Public Health; In Illinois,  www.idph.state.il.us -- 312-814-2793.

The National Lead Information Center -- 800.424.LEAD.