Lead paint panic

[Jonnys88]

Hi guys so the deteriorating paintwork pictured in the bedroom and canopy outside the front door contains lead (tested). The bedroom is ( or maybe was) soon to house our newborn baby. The skirting has suffered from leaks over the years and swollen, cracking the paint work. The surface has multiple coats of newer gloss and only when the testing in the cracks does the lead come back positive. Its a rented house, we have also stored all the babies clothes and pram in the room for a few month. How much of an issue is this if I make the surface good an gloss over again? Or has there likely been a large amount of lead dust been released? Is it even safe for us to be here anymore? Please help

 

[HERTS P&D]

That skirting board is rotten, that needs more investigation.

Andy

 

[Jonnys88]

Yeah it was from a leaking shower, more concerned with the paint right now tbh

 

[mattylad]

Do babies really try and suck on skirting? Maybe on a cot edge but not skirting imo.
The bigger problem is the state of it, perhaps just replace it if your worried, although it looks more like filler than skirting.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Lead paint isn't dangerous unless you ingest it, or create enough dust to breather it in. Generations of people have lived in lead painted houses.

Just wipe the paint down with a damp rag and avoid sanding. Paint it

 

[Jonnys88]

Thanks mate

 

[jacko555]

Isn't the risk that tastes sweet?

 

[Diver Fred]

Others have advised on the paint.

It's your landlord's job to sort out the skirting boards. Not sure what your tenancy did says about repairs etc, you need to check.

I'd be on to the LL to repair/make good - it's in both your intetests. Damp like that could be affecting the floor and joists as well.