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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMisc Correspondence 565 Rye Street May 28, 1993 Mr. Bob Deptula South Windsor Board of Health 1540 Sullivan Avenue South Windsor, CT 06074 Dear Mr. Deptula, This letter is written in response to your request for a"maintenance program" from us, regarding our home at 565 Rye Street in South Windsor which we have had tested and found to contain higher than recommended levels of lead paint. First I would like to mention that we closed on the home back in December,then read some articles regarding the lead paint in old homes, specifically lead dust and its affects on children,which caused us to stop any work,have the house tested both by you and by an independent testing agency. The results of both tests indicate higher than recommended levels of lead paint. We have a three-year-old daughter so our concern regarding this issue is great. She has been tested for lead contamination and her results indicate she is within the "normal" range(5). Note that we had requested lead paint testing before the closing on three separate occasions, but the real estate agent Joan Richards of Richards &Kemna in South Windsor minimized the concern for lead paint and ultimately talked us out of performing the test. The measures we have taken thus far to protect our daughter(and ourselves): We delayed our move in date one month. Before moving in we had a lead cleanup company--New England Environmental --come to our home and hepavac the entire house. We also had this company completely vacuum and clean the heating ducts and furnace, with a vacuum system that contained hepafilters. We also changed all of the air filters. We were then advised to clean all surfaces in the home with Trisodium Phosphate, and instructed to buy boxes of rags and use each rag one time. I personally cleaned all floors, counters,walls, windowsills using the TSP solution and clean water(1 bucket of each, changed regularly,throwing out each rag so no reuse). All flat surfaces I cleaned three separate times. We had wall-to-wall carpeting in the living and dining rooms professionally steam cleaned and I took the added measure of shampooing both as well. Additionally(although it is not considered abatement)we painted over all woodwork in the entire house,with a high-quality latex paint. The measures we are currently taking to minimize any risk: Twice per month I,clean all floors with the TSP solution. Alternate weeks I use an all- purpose floor cleaner. Once per week I use TSP solution and sponge down all window sills and wells (high- friction areas). Addtionally, we have painted over all window wells. No vacuuming of bare floors,wet mopping only. We have been advised to fill in any areas where woodwork is separating from the walls with white caulk. We also plan to use KILZ-a paint sealer on any spots that are wearing. The future measures we plan to take: We are working with the state to obtain a loan to replace all windows, back door, and worn woodwork. The replacement will be done by a specialist who deals with lead paint, that is we will not be present for the work and windows will be covered in plastic, wet down and hepavaced when done. We are obtaining quotes now and will be in contact with you when we have an abatement plan in place which will require your sign-off. In addition to replacing windows/doors,I will still maintain the TSP cleaning routine. Note that this issue is of great concern to us,that had we been aware of the lead paint dust issue and the hazards to children we would not have purchased this home. However,we are taking every measure we can to protect our family. The move in and cleaning procedures I follow have been exhausting,but certainly worth the effort to keep our child healthy. Sincerely, 04,;4 n Susan K. Alfonso