Demonstration of Lead-Based Paint Removal From an Historic Wood Structure Using Laser Technology
Abstract
The U.S. Army maintains thousands of family housing units which were constructed before 1978 and are likely to contain lead-based paint. Chemical paint stripping is often the most appropriate and accepted method for removing lead-based paint from wood surfaces in historic structures. However, chemical stripping is expensive due to containment requirements, the volume of hazardous waste produced and worker protection requirements. Historically significant wood surfaces can be damaged by the chemicals. The objective of the work performed was to demonstrate the effectiveness of laser stripping technology for the removal of lead-based paint from historic wood surfaces. The test site at Kelly Air Force Base was Building 139, an historic structure eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Both the efficacy of the method and its economic viability were investigated. The lessons learned from this test may allow Kelly AFB and other military activities to increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of lead-based paint removal technologies appropriate for use on historic structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA363188
Entities
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory