Lead-Based Paint Removal in Portland, OR

In the early and mid-1900s, lead paint was widely used throughout homes and businesses—painted on walls, ceilings, windowsills, and more. It was advertised as a superior product to non-lead paints, and was even endorsed by state and local governments.

Lead-based paint was banned by the Consumer Products Safety Act in 1978, but many homes today still have at least some lead paint. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 87% of homes built before 1940 and 24% of homes built 1960–1978 have some lead-based paint.

Our professionals at Alpha Environmental have the experience and equipment to properly test and safely remove lead-based paint from your home or business. View our lead paint testing services or contact us today to schedule a free estimate from one of the most reliable lead paint removal companies in Portland.

You should have lead paint removed:

  • Before a remodel, renovation or demolition. Any kind of remodel, renovation or demolition can disturb the lead paint. This caused the lead dust to become airborne and easy to inhale.
  • If you live in or are buying/selling a home built before 1978. Lead paint was banned in 1978, so any homes built before (that haven’t gone through a lead paint removal) likely have lead paint. Many homes today still have lead paint present, but it’s hidden under layers of non-lead paint.

How to Tell If Your Home Has Lead Paint

Unfortunately, lead paint looks just like regular paint when it’s not chipping or cracking, and when it’s hidden underneath layers of non-lead paint.

When lead paint does start to chip, it will:

  • Start “alligatoring”, which is when the paint cracks or wrinkles in a pattern that looks like reptile skin.
  • Have a chalky residue when it’s rubbed off the surface it’s painted on.

Why You Should Have Lead Paint Removed

Inhaling dust from lead-based paint has been known to cause various short-term and long-term health problems.

Short-term exposure to lead-based paint can cause:

  • Abdominal, joint, and muscle pain
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Trouble focusing
  • Forgetfulness
  • Mood changes

Long-term exposure to lead-based paint can cause:

  • Learning and behavioral problems in children
  • High blood pressure, heart and kidney disease, and fertility problems in adults

Who Should Remove Lead-Based Paint from Your Home?

Only a professional should remove lead-based paint from your home. Lead paint removal requires following guidelines from 

Professionals performing the lead paint removal must follow:

  • EPA certification rules. Professionals removing lead paint must be certified by the EPA and must use certified renovators who have taken an EPA-approved training. They must also follow lead-safe practices.
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations, which establish how hazardous waste needs to be transported, stored and disposed of.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, which outline lead-based paint removal best practices and technology designed to safely remove lead paint.

How Lead Paint Is Removed

During lead paint removal, a professional will:

  • Test for lead paint. Since lead paint can be hidden and doesn’t look different from non-lead paint, a professional will need to test the paint to make sure it actually contains lead. If the paint doesn’t have lead, you don’t need to have it removed.
  • Seal or tape off the affected area. Disturbing lead-based paint will kick up lead dust that can get into your HVAC system and carry the dust throughout your home. Doorways and vents should be sealed off with tape and plastic sheets. This isn’t so much of a problem if the paint is on the exterior of your home, but the area should still be taped off to prevent anybody from walking in the area.
  • Cover all furniture. If the lead paint is inside your home, the professional will cover any furniture that can’t be moved from the room. This will help prevent dust from settling anywhere except on the plastic that will be disposed of.
  • Remove the paint. Lead paint removal techniques may vary among professionals. They may opt to wet sand the paint, which would limit how much dust is created. However, they must use an electric sander that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered vacuum to collect lead dust particles.
  • Clean up. After ensuring all paint is completely removed, the professional will carefully remove materials contaminated with lead paint and dispose of them properly.

Contact Us for Lead-Based Paint Removal in Portland

At Alpha Environmental, we take lead-based paint removal seriously. Our professionals take care to follow regulations around lead paint removal, so every flake of the paint is safely removed.

Call us at (503) 292-5346 or contact us online to schedule a free estimate.

Contact Us

A trusted member of our team will reach out within 1 business day to schedule

Why Choose Alpha Environmental

Our goal is to get the job done right while protecting our client. We are committed to ensuring you are safe in your residence, no matter what. We are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and here to help with all of your environmental needs.

Family Owned & Operated

We pride ourselves on strong company values that translate into service levels which go above and beyond average service providers

21+ Years Experience

For over two decades we've been doing the dirty work, serving residential and commercial customers in the greater Portland area

Care & Ownership

Our entire team is committed to ensuring your home or place of business is safe and every job gets done the right way

David D.
Lake Oswego, OR
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My wife and I experienced a hot water pipe busting in the crawlspace. It has been a total nightmare. However, Chris and his team provided expert quality care, with timeliness and the greatest degree of professionalism. I would HIGHLY recommend Alpha Enviornmental!
Zhanna S.
Beaverton, OR
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Can’t say enough about Alpha Environmental! Their costumer service is 10/10, they have really good systems in place, responsive, and professional. The gals in the scheduling department are always so kind! As a real estate agent, I use Alpha’s services numerous times a year. Either it’s for Mold bids, oil tank decommissioning, radon etc. They always do a fantastic job! Thank you for all the work you do!
Kristen L.
Portland, OR
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Wow where do I even begin?? We’re absolutely thrilled by the work Alpha has done for us and we’re eternally grateful to them for ridding our house of asbestos tile! They’re polite, kind, professional — from estimator Filo to manager Dame to Jake, Melvin and the other two guys on the crew (so sorry we didn’t get your names) — you guys are awesome and we so appreciate your help. Our house looks amazing. The peace of mind you’ve given us is priceless. We can’t thank you enough. We’ll certainly be in back in touch if we ever need any of your services again. Thank you thank you!!!
Jeff S.
Salem, OR
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Alpha environmental's employees were punctual, pleasant to work with and there services are reasonably priced. I highly recommend them because I would use them again in the future.
Lea C.
Tualatin, OR
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Took a water sample in for lead testing and they were so fast and helpful. Rodolfo was so nice and informative in explaining the testing and what it meant! Would definitely recommend everyone to go there and will go to them for any future needs!
Claire B.
Portland, OR
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Alpha environmental was extremely helpful in navigating me through the process of testing some leftover construction debris for asbestos so I could take it to the dump. Their office manager spent time with me on the phone discussing the options for sample collection, and was extremely friendly in answering my many questions. Sample drop off at the office was easy and the results even came back a few days earlier than expected. Will definitely return if I need more sampling done!
Jeff C.
Tigard, OR
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I would highly recommend anyone wanting, quick efficient services relating to environmental testing to check out Alpha Environmental. Not only was the staff friendly and responsive, but also professional! If I could 6 stars out of 5, I would!
Jotham P.
Portland, OR
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We used Alpha Environmental Services to conduct our home inspection, radon testing, sewer scope and oil tank decommissioning. Every part of their service was really professional. They took so many great photos of the house during the inspection and offered lots of explanation on what they found. Great team. Highly recommend!
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A trusted member of our team will reach out within 1 business day to schedule