Lead Cleaning Detergent

(LCD)

You may have noticed that NYSWDA Lead Logs specify to mist all surfaces and plastic with “LCD”.  What is LCD, what is the best LCD to use, and where do you get it?

As we learned in the Lead Supervisor Course, additives should be added to the water we use to mist the lead painted surfaces that we (may) disturb while weatherizing older homes.  The “additive” of choice has been TSP (trisodium phosphate) because of its ability to bind to lead and therefore make cleanup more affective when used for abatement projects.  The problem is that TSP has been banned in New York State because it contains phosphate which contributes to algal growth when it finds its way into lakes and streams. 

For this reason EPA has conducted studies that compare non-phosphate detergents to TSP for lead clean-up effectiveness. Thirty-three cleaners, including TSP, were tested against plain tap water.  The cleaning agents were selected to represent the range of commercial cleaning products that would be reasonably available to a consumer.  Test results found that “phosphate content was not linked to cleaning efficacy” and that any one of these cleaning products worked better than water alone. The conclusion was that “the results of this comparative study do not support the recommended use of TSP for the reduction of lead dust exposure".

The bottom line is that misting water alone does not work nearly as well as water with LCD added.  You can buy an affective LCD at any hardware store, building supply house, Lowes, or Home Depot.  Ask for a TSP-like product. 

Be aware that LCD’s are strong cleaners and should be handled with care.  Wear rubber gloves when using the products and avoid breathing the powder or getting into eyes.

For the full story go to http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/clean.htm.  E-mail earl@NYSWDA.org with any product that you have found that is affordable and works well.