Ladder Safety Using Power Washers Dealing With Lead Paint Personal Protective Equipment   Dealing with Lead in Paint Be sure to take the appropriate precautions when preparing surfaces which may contain harmful materials such as lead or asbestos. See our recommendations below. The paint on old houses or buildings may contain lead pigments. White lead was used in house paints until the mid-1950s, and red lead was commonly used in primers until the 1980s. Lead chromate pigments were used in some red, yellow and orange colours, and calcium plumbate pigment was used on galvanised iron and steel structures up to the 1980s. Lead test kits can be purchased from specialist paint stores. If possible, the old lead-containing paint should be left undisturbed and simply cleaned and repainted. However, if you are removing lead paint inside: Remove curtains and furniture and, if possible, remove or fully cover carpet. Close doors to other rooms. Use drop sheets to catch debris. Regularly clean up debris. Wipe down all ledges, sills etc. with a damp cloth, and vacuum floor to remove dust. Place in garbage bag for disposal.