Lead dust in house - help! Needs decontamination

[KKKaty]

Hi

We were about to move into our new home but to cut a long story short on Wednesday discovered it is contaminated with lead dust.

We have a 1 and 3 year old, so it is now not safe to move in.

We are getting professional lead tests done and need to decontaminate the house.

My reason for posting is it is hard to find expert help. - has anyone had this situation and if so did you find a specialist firm able to do proper decontamination / decontamination guidelines? The USA are really hot on this, but not the UK it seems despite government guidelines on lead in houses.

Absolutely horrified about the dust but thankful we knew before moving in which could have been horrific.

Thanks!
xxx

[LIZS]

Have you tried local council website - they normally list ways to dispose of controlled contaminants such as asbestos and firms who are licensed to do so. What has caused the problem as it does seem unusual unless the building is old. Lead pipes, flashing and tiles were not unusual materials and probably not an issue unless disturbed.

[KKKaty]

Thanks - good idea will do.

Basically the house has been renovated and we think the contractor has created the problem and been negligent (they were made aware of possible lead and suitable treatment before work started, it was also in the contract). Not 100% sure yet, but pretty sure.

Very helpful suggestion, thank you
x

[RooneyMara]

Good luck. Yes you need environmental health at the local council to come and take a look.

We had heating put in which involved drilling through asbestos, in our last house - we were renting and it was done quite casually.

I still worry that we were exposed to dangerous dust. Thankfully it was the least dangerous stuff, ie white/grey, not blue.

You're doing the right thing.