Evaluation of two lead-based paint removal and waste stabilization technology combinations on typical exterior surfaces

A study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of a wet abrasive bl asting technology to remove lead-based paint from exterior wood siding and brick substrates as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of two waste stab ilization technologies to stabilize the resulting blast media (coal slag an d mineral sand) paint debris thereby reducing the leachable lead content. T he lead-based paint removal technology effectiveness was determined by the use of an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrum analyzer (L- and K-shell). The effectiveness of the technologies to stabilize the debris was evaluated thr ough the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). Wet abrasive bl asting effectively removed the lead-based paint coating from both the wood and brick substrates to below the US Department of Housing and Urban Develo pment Guideline (1 mg/cm(2)) with no minimal or no damage to the underlying substrates (P < 0.0001). The mean area air levels of lead-containing parti culate generated during paint removal were significantly below the personal exposure limit (PEL) (P < 0.0001). However, the mean personal breathing zo ne lead levels were approximately three times higher than the PEL. Neither of the two stabilization technologies consistently stabilized the resultant paint debris to achieve a leachable lead content below the RCRA regulatory threshold of <5 mg/l. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.