Lead Awareness Program

What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. 

Uses of lead:

Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products in and around homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics.

Lead at Missouri S&T:

Lead or lead bearing substances can be found in almost every campus building.  It is most commonly found in the paint layers of older buildings (built prior to 1978).  However lead has also been used as sound proofing material, and water barrier in bathrooms.   Lead may also be used as a shielding material for radioisotopes. 

Procedure for dealing with lead-bearing substances:

Facilities Operations and Design and Construction are the only departments with personnel who should perform maintenance/construction in any campus building.  No other personnel should grind on, sand, or drill into any wall on campus.  If a project involves a building constructed prior to 1978, the individuals completing the project must be aware of the lead hazards.  If guidance is needed, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office.   If a project will be completed by an outside contractor, Design and Construction will inform the contractor the age of the building and any painted construction in the building completed prior to 1978 is assumed to be a lead-bearing substance.  Demolition and renovation projects do not constitute lead abatement projects.  The individuals performing the demolition or renovation need to be aware of the hazards dealing with lead. 

Renovation and maintenance projects managed under Student Affairs will be handled on a case-by-case basis.