Lead dust poses a significant health hazard for children, and windows in pre-1978 dwellings are an important source of lead contamination. Earlier research finds that window replacement is among the most effective methods for home lead-dust control. However, these studies did not focus specifically on lead-hazard remediation resulting from the rehabilitation of original windows, and historic preservation guidelines discourage window replacement. This case study adds to the body of research on this issue by testing the effects of three window rehabilitation intensities--low, medium, and high--on dust lead loadings in four wood windows. The findings suggest that high-intensity window rehabilitation--defined as removing lead-based paint from friction and impact surfaces, repainting those surfaces, and using lead-safe work practices--yields short-term (one year) dust lead loadings comparable to those resulting from window replacement as documented by a prominent national study. Low- and medium-intensity rehabilitation were somewhat less effective, but they still reduced lead dust to acceptable levels under current federal guidelines. The findings suggest that high-intensity window rehabilitation may be a safe alternative to window replacement. They further indicate that if lower-intensity treatments were combined with simple, periodic cleanings, they would also be effective for making windows lead safe. Large-scale, long-term research is needed to test these findings. If window rehabilitation can be shown to provide lead-safety results comparable to window replacement, it will prove beneficial for property owners, planners, contractors, historic district commissioners, and others who live in or work with low-income and historic housing.
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