Replacing old sash windows possibly with lead paint

Skag

I'm about to replace my old sash windows with new ones.

The building was built around 1910, and there's a good chance my windows have lead paint.

I've been reading on the internet all the scare stories about lead and how one should be extremely careful when replacing such windows. We also have a 6-month old baby, who obviously won't be around whilst the windows are replaced.

I presume the builders will take the old sash and casing out, and put the new one in, doing a few cuts just to take the old one out. They will also cover everything with sheets.

To what level should I be worried about lead dust? I've read about HEPA filters, some say they work, and some say they don't work.

Also, some people say "don't worry about it, just don't eat it", others say "even the lightest dust is dangerous for babies".

Also, is there any UK government body from that I can get some advise?

Ebe_Scrooge

If you're just having the windows removed there's not a lot to worry about.  It's when you're sanding old lead paint and inhaling lots of dust it can be an issue.  If the builders are creating dust by sawing it, they'll hopefully be wearing appropriate masks for their own benefit.  And so long as any dust is cleaned up properly then you'll have nothing to worry about.  Any half-decent builder will use a vacuum cleaner that has specially-design filtration in place for just this kind of thing.

Skag

Ebe_Scrooge said:

If you're just having the windows removed there's not a lot to worry about.  It's when you're sanding old lead paint and inhaling lots of dust it can be an issue.  If the builders are creating dust by sawing it, they'll hopefully be wearing appropriate masks for their own benefit.  And so long as any dust is cleaned up properly then you'll have nothing to worry about.  Any half-decent builder will use a vacuum cleaner that has specially-design filtration in place for just this kind of thing.

It's just the whole sash, frame and architraves. So I guess a lot of chiselling and removing.

BUFF

 the sashes themselves should come out whole.
If they are specialists at sash replacement they similarly should be able to remove most/all of the frames/boxes etc. without cutting. More likely imo to pry them out. 

Depending upon condition/maintenance the old timber may be of a much higher quality than the new windows are made of ...

Skag

BUFF said:

 the sashes themselves should come out whole.
If they are specialists at sash replacement they similarly should be able to remove most/all of the frames/boxes etc. without cutting. More likely imo to pry them out. 

Depending upon condition/maintenance the old timber may be of a much higher quality than the new windows are made of ...

I was told that they'll do a couple of vertical cuts and then pry them out, whatever dust that creates.

That's true about the old timber, but the paint used in the old days (and I don't think they've been painted in the last 40 years or so) could contain lead. That, or some undercoats.

twopenny

I and my generation used, sanded, painted and had toys with lead paint and we're apparatly perfectly fine.
We also drunk water from lead pipes as did the Romans onwards.

The problem was established with children chewing toys with lead paint and potentially chewing on doors (yes, it happens, babies are indiscriminate) and some got sick from repeatedly doing so.

You are wise to remove the baby from the noise and dust for their and your peace of mind and sanity but beyond that you should have no worries. 

Please enjoy your new windows worry free.

Skag

twopenny said:

I and my generation used, sanded, painted and had toys with lead paint and we're apparatly perfectly fine.
We also drunk water from lead pipes as did the Romans onwards.

The problem was established with children chewing toys with lead paint and potentially chewing on doors (yes, it happens, babies are indiscriminate) and some got sick from repeatedly doing so.

You are wise to remove the baby from the noise and dust for their and your peace of mind and sanity but beyond that you should have no worries. 

Please enjoy your new windows worry free.

Thanks for your comment, it does help a lot!

With all this information on the internet (similar to when you're sick), one can get anxious quite easily and to a high degree!

Apodemus

Skag said:

twopenny said:

I and my generation used, sanded, painted and had toys with lead paint and we're apparatly perfectly fine.
We also drunk water from lead pipes as did the Romans onwards.

The problem was established with children chewing toys with lead paint and potentially chewing on doors (yes, it happens, babies are indiscriminate) and some got sick from repeatedly doing so.

You are wise to remove the baby from the noise and dust for their and your peace of mind and sanity but beyond that you should have no worries. 

Please enjoy your new windows worry free.

Thanks for your comment, it does help a lot!

With all this information on the internet (similar to when you're sick), one can get anxious quite easily and to a high degree!

I wonder if the information on the web that you are seeing is largely from US sources?  For some reason, they are much more nervous about residues of lead paint "across the pond" and generate a lot of scare stories.  They will go to huge lengths to control lead...except when it is in ammunition, where it kills far more people.   Go figure, as they say!

BUFF

 quite a lot of USA still has lead pipes in their water supply (as well as lots of other things see e.g. Flint, Michigan)

Ebe_Scrooge

Skag said:

twopenny said:

I and my generation used, sanded, painted and had toys with lead paint and we're apparatly perfectly fine.
We also drunk water from lead pipes as did the Romans onwards.

The problem was established with children chewing toys with lead paint and potentially chewing on doors (yes, it happens, babies are indiscriminate) and some got sick from repeatedly doing so.

You are wise to remove the baby from the noise and dust for their and your peace of mind and sanity but beyond that you should have no worries. 

Please enjoy your new windows worry free.

Thanks for your comment, it does help a lot!

With all this information on the internet (similar to when you're sick), one can get anxious quite easily and to a high degree!

Yep, you do have to be a bit careful of taking internet information at face value.  Are you experiencing fever, headache and chills?  You've got Bubonic Plague !!!!  Or alternatively, you might just be suffering from the common cold

Bendy_House

Lead content of paint is certainly a valid concern.

But, in this kind of scenario, when you consider the miniscule amount of ground - not even powdered - paint that will be produced from a few inches length of a 2mm-wide saw blade cut, and with dust sheets in place, I think you can be confident there will be no risk whatsoever.