Why does nobody mention the dust from sanding old primer?

I see guys just blasting away without checking if it's lead-based. I tested a 1982 Chevy truck door last month and it was positive. What's your test method before you start grinding?

3 comments

3 Comments

drew7068d ago

My old garage floor from the 90s Chevy project is still stained with that pinkish dust. I used a cheap 3M swab test last year on some window trim and it lit up bright red. Scared me so bad I went out and bought a proper respirator the same day. Now I keep the test kits right on my workbench so I can't ignore them. That lead dust gets everywhere and you don't even see it.

blake_kelly198d ago

Man, I feel that. I'm probably the guy you're talking about, just going for it with an old respirator that definitely doesn't fit right. My test method is usually "it's probably fine," which is a terrible system. I did buy those little swab kits once, but then I lost them in my messy garage.

dakota_miller938d ago

My buddy did that with a dusty old mask and ended up coughing for a week. He learned the hard way that "probably fine" is NOT a real safety check. Now he actually keeps his fit test stuff in a labeled box.