A vacuum with a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA) is used to safely clean up small dust particles such as lead. HEPA vacuums have a filter designed to prevent very small dust particles from blowing through the vacuum and back into the room in exhaust air. Use a HEPA Vacuum to clean up small paint chips, debris, or dust collecting in/ on walls, floors, stairs, window sills, window wells, shelves or counters in homes with possible lead paint in them.

Never use a regular vacuum to clean up paint chips or dust in homes with the possibility of lead paint present. Normal vacuums spread dust throughout the home, creating more Lead paint exposure to people and pets.

The Cities of Lewiston and Auburn offer a HEPA vacuum loan program for safe lead dust and paint chip removal in residential properties. For use please contact:

Community Development at the City of Auburn:             333.6601
Community Development at the City of Lewiston:          513.3126

 

Safe Dust Cleaning Information

Lead Dust Removal and Control: A Step-by-Step Guide
Maine.gov Dust Removal Maunal (PDF)

How to Clean Up Lead Dust Lead – Tipsheet #2
Maine.gov Environmental Health Lead Tipsheet2 (PDF)