Which method is commonly used for lead paint removal in houses?

The method of scraping and repainting or encapsulation is commonly used for lead paint removal in houses due to its effectiveness and safety considerations. Scraping removes the existing lead paint, allowing for safer handling of the underlying surface. After scraping, the surface can be painted over with a safe, lead-free paint, effectively sealing in any remaining lead particles and preventing them from becoming airborne or causing contamination.

Encapsulation is particularly important as it involves applying a special coating over the lead paint that contains lead, effectively sealing it and preventing further exposure. This method is often preferred in situations where complete removal is not feasible, as it offers a viable alternative that minimizes risk.

While other methods, such as chemical stripping and sanding, may be utilized in certain scenarios, they come with increased risks of lead dust dispersion and are not considered as safe or reliable as scraping combined with repainting or encapsulation. Steam cleaning, while effective for general cleaning, is not suitable for lead paint removal and could disturb lead dust rather than adequately manage it. This makes scraping and repainting, along with encapsulation, the most recommended practice for managing lead paint hazards in residential settings.