Lead paint, does nobody care?

[penguin23]

I'm not sure where you are from, but in MA a lot of the contractors are the same way unless you have a baby in the house. Pretty much every house, including the ones we all grew up in, had lead paint. I think its because we were all around it that they are more lax. However, I know two people that had their windows replaced, and it was a big deal with the signs up, things sealed off. I have a 17 month old, so we had spot lead paint testing done in the housing during our inspection. We are removing all the hazards before move in (two door frames and encasing a brick fireplace), but I certainly didn't see signs up or anything.
Your concern is legit. Do you have kids? There was a case in Wellsley, MA where parents were doing lots of work on their house and there kid was lead poisoned. Also, have you officially tested them for lead? They probably won't go through the extra hassle and expense unless they have an official read.

[treedimensional]

Yes, your concerns are legitimate. They may be licensed, but they clearly have not been trained in lead abatement and they don't want you to disqualify them as a potential contractor.

[sierramist03]

I know the rule around here is you can't chip it onto the ground so people just put tarps down I know the laws differ by area so I would just research your area

[penguin23]

Def have the air ducts cleaned. Are you guys going to be living in the house when they replace the windows? If lead abatement is done in MA and a child under 6 lives there, (if you rent) you have to move out while the work is done. I don't think there is a law for homeowners though.
I spoke with a mom in DS playgroup, and her DD lead level was 9 because the apt above theirs was having renovation work done and had lead paint (the mom's apt did not have lead paint).
Did you ask your pedi what they thought?

[FoxInFiji]

There is a new national code that requires a minimum amount of abatement be done on any home being remodeled with lead paint and asbestos. If they do not know that then keep looking for a different contractor. Also make sure they are pulling permits and getting a full inspection for your remodel (whatever it entails) so you know they are following these rules.

Check out This Old House video clips online. They do a ton of abatement of all sorts of lead and asbestos finishes. They also discussed the new code requirements on the last house that was completed. You could also pick up TOH magazines at your local library or bookstore. I <3 TOH!