Painting Drywall: update from the Paint Quality Institute.

Sun, 25 May 2014 11:58:25 +0100

May2014

Drywall

Walls, High Traffic/Previously Painted/To Be Painted

Surface Preparation:
*NOTE: If lead is suspected in the paint, do not attempt to remove paint or scrape, sand, use heat gun, etc., which might put lead into the environment, but rather contact a contractor qualified for lead paint assessment and abatement

treat any mildew with a 3:1 water:household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly
repair gouges, etc. with drywall compound or spackle, and sand flush once dry; for maximum durability, use plaster of Paris or patching plaster, and sand flush
fill gaps with quality acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk, and immediately smooth it flush; allow to dry over night and make a second application if needed; do not sand a caulk
dull any glossy areas by sanding with fine grit (#220) garnet paper; wear eye protection and dust mask
remove all dirt by scrubbing with detergent and warm water, rinse thoroughly; pay special attention to kitchen areas (accumulated airborne cooking oils) and around switches and door knobs (hand prints and oils)

Priming:

priming is helpful but not necessary if existing paint is in excellent condition, unless specified by paint manufacturer; but do prime all repaired areas
for maximum adhesion, stain blocking and uniformity of sheen, prime the entire area to be painteduse stain blocking primer if there is staining; otherwise use PVA latex wall primer
use stain blocking primer if there is staining; otherwise use PVA latex wall primer

Painting:

for best dirt resistance, durability and cleanability, use a top-of-the-line interior latex wall paint in flat or eggshell finish, depending on appearance desired
a satin finish will provide better dirt and stain resistance
a flat latex wall paint will hide irregularities in the surface but will not resist stains and burnishing as well as a quality eggshell or satin finish

More great news from PQI here: http://www.paintquality.com/index.html

Child Lead Poisonings Continue to Fall in New York City, but...

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:57:15 +0100

September 30, 2010 – The number of children with lead poisoning dropped by 12% in New York City last year, the Health Department announced today in its annual report to the City Council. In 2009 the agency recorded 1,387 poisonings among children between 6 months and 6 years of age – fewer than ever before. The Health Department will continue to monitor cases and concentrate services and outreach efforts in the city’s most affected communities. The agency has recently started offering environmental inspections to families in high-risk environments.

“New York City has reached a new low in childhood lead poisoning cases, but too many children are still affected by this serious, preventable health problem,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “We know lead paint is the main cause of lead poisoning, and young children are most at risk. It is critically important that landlords follow the law and safely repair peeling lead paint in homes with young children. Partner organizations can also work with the Health Department to promote blood lead testing for children in the most affected communities.”

Lead poisoning can cause learning and behavior problems, even at low levels. Lead poisoning is defined as a blood lead level containing 10 or more micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (ug/dL). State law requires doctors to test children at 1 and 2 years of age, because those with elevated blood lead levels may not show clinical symptoms.

Health Department Prevention Efforts

Early identification of lead-poisoned children is critical to preventing further exposures. Working with families, health care providers and community-based organizations in high-risk neighborhoods throughout the city, the Health Department conducts hundreds of workshops each year on the importance of blood-lead testing and reporting peeling paint. The agency also participates in community health fairs, providing information on how to keep homes safe and healthy. Informational materials are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Bengali, Chinese, Urdu, Hindi, Arabic, French, Haitian Creole and Russian.

How Parents and Caregivers Can Protect their Children from Lead Poisoning

>Report peeling paint to your landlord. Landlords are required to fix peeling paint in homes where young children live. If your landlord does not respond, call 311.

>Remind your doctor to test your child for lead poisoning at one and two years of age. Ask your doctor about testing older children who may be at risk of lead exposure.

>Wash floors, windowsills, hands, toys and pacifiers often.

>Don’t use imported foods, spices, medicines, pots, dishes, cosmetics or toys known to contain lead.

>Use only cold tap water for making baby formula and for drinking and cooking. Run the water for a few minutes before using it.

For more information on preventing childhood lead poisoning, call 311. You can read the Health Bulletin “Protect Your Child From Lead Poisoning”