To remove lead from floors, prioritize containment and professional abatement. Use HEPA vacuuming for loose particles, seal affected areas with drop cloths, and hire certified contractors for heavy contamination. Replace damaged flooring with non-lead materials. Avoid sanding or dry sweeping to prevent spreading lead dust.

Lead-based paint poses severe health risks, especially to children, causing developmental delays and neurological damage. The EPA estimates that 74% of homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, with floors being a common exposure route. According to the CDC, lead dust from floors can exceed 40 times the EPA’s action level during renovation, necessitating strict containment. Certified abatement contractors follow EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, reducing exposure by 95% through controlled demolition, encapsulation, or replacement. DIY methods risk spreading lead particles, which can remain airborne for weeks. A 2020 study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that improper removal increased blood lead levels in households by 300%. Professional abatement costs $1,500–$5,000 but prevents long-term medical expenses averaging $18,000 per child with severe lead poisoning. Regular testing via XRF or lab analysis ensures compliance and safety.