Concerning Lead and Lead-Based Paints in Vassar College Faculty Housing

Background

Paints and stains have been with humanity from the Stone Age to modern times; obviously, the technologies involved in making paints have changed through time.  Lead is introduced into the paint through the pigments. During the late industrial era (1920–1970) synthetic pigments were made from chemicals containing metals. Each metal produces a few distinct colors. Some white, red, and especially yellow pigments were made from lead compounds. In the 1970s, when the toxicology of these materials was better understood, pigments made from organic compounds were developed. They are neither as vivid in color nor resistant to fading as the metallic pigments, but were (and still are) used to avoid the health effects of metallic paints.

It should come as no surprise that faculty housing facilities at Vassar that were constructed before the 1970s were painted during the time period that lead-based pigments were used. This means that there is a chance of lead-based paint in these housing units. Since these units were also painted repeatedly in the time frame after lead-based paints were used (1975 to the present), any lead-containing materials should be effectively encapsulated by the new paint and cause no hazard under normal circumstances.

Items of Concern

As long as the lead-based paints are encapsulated, they pose no hazard. If the encapsulating paint is breached, either through construction activities such as drilling, sanding, or sawing through the paint; or through failure of the paint (peeling or chipping paint), the lead-based materials may become exposed. Please report any chipped or peeling paint to the service response center (845) 437-5999 immediately. The buildings and grounds personnel have a simple test they can perform to detect lead-based materials. Similarly, do not drill, sand, or cut through walls, window frames & sills, or trim. The College will arrange to have this work done using methods to capture and collect any debris or dust.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Director of Environmental Health & Safety.