Why should we use HEPA Vacuum Cleaners

When working on pre-1978 residences contractors will be required to use HEPA vacuums during the project.   The major source of lead contamination and lead poisoning today comes from the inhalation or ingestion of lead paint dust.  If lead paint is present in a home, then lead paint dust will be created during renovation or remodeling projects.  If that dust is not contained and properly eliminated the entire home can be contaminated.  So why do contractors have to use special HEPA vacuums rather than the normal shop vacs?  The particles of dust created through construction, demolition, or renovation is too small to be captured by normal filters in vacuum cleaners.  Even though the larger dirt and debris is captured by the vacuum, the dust (including lead dust) is exhausted by the vac and will be redistributed on all nearby horizontal surfaces.  That dust can also be picked up by the normal air flows or currents caused by open windows or doors or heating/cooling systems in the home and then distributed to a larger area, even throughout the home resulting in contamination of the entire home or residence.

Included in the training now being given to renovators through the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting program is the following information.  This is quoted from Student Manual of the Certified Renovator Initial Training Course:
(quote)
A little dust goes a long way.

• You can't see it.  Even a floor that looks clean can have leaded dust on it.  Only a laboratory test can tell you for sure if an area is contaminated with lead.
• It's hard to sweep up.  Normal cleaning methods will not pick up all the dust in a work area.  Sweeping is not enough.  You need to use water, detergent and a HEPA vacuum to clean up dust effectively.
• IT travels.  Once dust is released, it is easily tracked around, inside and outside the work area.  And, an exterior painting job can contaminate the inside of a home as the dust, chips and leaded soil are tracked inside.

(end quote)

This information is important not only for contractors working on residences but also for homeowners and landlords that plan to do their own work. 

If you don't currently have access to a HEPA vacuum cleaner, click on the word HEPA anywhere in this post and you will be directed to an Amazon search for suppliers of HEPA vacuums.