Lead removal, or abatement, is a professional process designed to safely eliminate lead-based paint hazards—such as peeling paint, dust, or contaminated soil—in older buildings. It’s essential because lead exposure can cause severe health issues, especially in children, including developmental delays, neurological damage, and behavioral problems.

If your property was built before 1978—and especially if you’re planning renovations, see chipping or peeling paint, or have young children or pregnant occupants—lead removal should be seriously considered. Renovations can disturb old paint and release hazardous dust.

Yes, each state has strict regulations:

• Maine:
  • Residential or commercial lead abatement must be performed by contractors who are licensed or certified.
  • Contractors must notify the state’s DEP in writing at least 5 working days before starting any work that could release lead dust.
  • Improper methods such as open-flame burning, uncontained sanding, or abrasive blasting are prohibited and may trigger enforcement actions.
• New Hampshire:
  • Abatement work must be done by licensed professionals who have passed both the required EPA and NH certification exam.
  • Properties under federal or state-funded housing programs may qualify for financial assistance to make units “lead-safe.”

Contractors must notify the state’s DES in writing at least 10 working days before starting any work that could release lead dust.

You must hire EPA-certified lead-safe professionals or state-licensed lead abatement contractors:

• These individuals have undergone training and are knowledgeable in safe cleanup, disposal, and containment practices.
• In Maine, contractors are listed by the DEP’s Lead Hazard Prevention Program—call (207) 287-2651 for details.
• In New Hampshire, abatement professionals must pass a federal EPA exam and an additional NH rules exam.

Several professional techniques are used—each chosen based on the situation:

• Wet hand scraping or wire brushing with water applied to suppress dust; commonly used by certified contractors.
• Encapsulation, using EPA-approved coatings to seal lead paint surfaces.
• Enclosure, which covers lead surfaces with materials like drywall or cladding.

Remove/dispose, involving HEPA-equipped sanding or heat guns, avoiding banned methods like torching or uncontrolled sanding.

No—lead removal is highly regulated and must be handled by qualified professionals. DIY attempts often break the law, scatter hazardous dust, and increase health risks. Certified contractors follow strict EPA, state, and OSHA-safe work practices.

Yes—help is available for property owners in both states:

• MaineHousing offers state- and federally-funded programs that provide grants for abatement. Owner-occupied single-family homes may receive up to $30,000; rental units up to $15,000 per unit, with income eligibility requirements and an owner match requirement (10–25% depending on whether an abatement order is involved).

New Hampshire may offer federal or state grants through the Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program. Programs may include grants or loans to make units lead-safe for low-income households, especially where children are involved.

Professional lead removal includes:

• Pre-project risk assessments or testing to identify hazards.
• Safe work area containment, like sealing off zones and using negative air pressure.
• Post-abatement clearance testing to confirm the space is safe.

These steps protect occupants and ensure compliance with regulations.

Typically, no. For safety, occupants—especially children and pregnant individuals—must vacate during removal. Clearance testing helps determine when it’s safe to return.

You can report violations to:

• Maine DEP—especially for unsafe removal methods. Contact Sandy Moody at (207) 242-0877.

EPA Region 1—for violations of federal RRP or disclosure rules. Call (888) 372-7341 (#3, then #2) or file a form online.