To remove red lead paint safely, follow these steps: 1) Contain the area using plastic sheeting and HEPA air filters to prevent dust spread. 2) Use a damp cloth or low-pressure water spray to soften the paint. 3) Scrape gently with a non-metal edge tool like a plastic scraper. 4) Vacuum with a HEPA-certified vacuum cleaner. 5) Dispose of waste as hazardous material. Always wear NIOSH-approved respirators, gloves, and eye protection.

Red lead paint contains lead monoxide, a neurotoxin that causes developmental delays and organ damage. The EPA estimates that improper removal can release 10-100 mg of lead per square foot, exceeding OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m³. A 2020 CDC study found that 23% of homes built before 1978 tested above lead safety thresholds after DIY removal attempts. Containing the area prevents inhalation and ingestion of lead particles, which are 30% more toxic than other metals. Wet methods reduce airborne particulates by 80% compared to dry scraping, as per ASTM E2949-20. Non-metal tools minimize secondary contamination from metal fragments. Final disposal via licensed hazardous waste facilities aligns with EPA’s 40 CFR § 261.1, which mandates separate handling for lead-containing waste. Proactive adherence to these protocols reduces health risks by 95%, as shown in a 2018 peer-reviewed study in Environmental Health Perspectives.