Business Editors/High-Tech Writers
ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 2003
Government Agency Recommends Use of Encapsulants To Help Minimize Risk of Childhood Lead Poisoning
A recent study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found encapsulation to be a favored method of lead paint abatement, helping to reduce the risk of childhood lead poisoning. The March 2003 study, conducted by Battelle Laboratories, was designed to study the efficacy of long-term use of lead-based paint encapsulants for lead abatement, and to verify the approval of encapsulants through users' experiences. Surveys of users, state and local officials, site visits, and product literature were all cited by the report.
Products surveyed were applied between two and fifteen years ago, and were installed in public housing agencies, military installations, and private residences. Visual inspections of applied encapsulants "appeared to be in excellent condition," with interior encapsulants exhibiting "superb performance." The report also compiled data from interviews with contractors, risk assessors, engineers, and other lead abatement industry professionals. The majority of those interviewed stated they were satisfied with the performance, and would recommend and use encapsulants again.
The new report backs the belief of many abatement professionals that liquid-applied encapsulants are a better, safer, and more cost-effective method of controlling lead-based paint than traditional paint removal or enclosure. It is also the first government-sponsored document supporting the long-term viability of lead paint encapsulation, reinforcing the model already encouraged by many state agencies.
"Lead-based paint is a primary concern in housing and commercial structures built prior to 1978, and encapsulation using products like Fiberlock's L-B-C(R) Lead Barrier Compound is recognized as a permanent abatement method," says Joseph Connor, Fiberlock president and CEO. "These coatings apply just like an ordinary water-based paint, feature a 20-year warranty and are certified to meet and exceed all federal, state and local standards." Lead paint encapsulants are certified forms of lead-based paint abatement, equivalent to paint removal and enclosure.
"In today's economy, government agencies and companies all across the board are forced to do more with less. Without a product like Fiberlock's L-B-C, our project would not have been financially feasible," comments George Thomas, president of Confidential Compliance Consultants, an environmental firm that has encapsulated hundreds of residential houses at Fort Ord in Marina, Calif. "Removal is an extremely expensive procedure that would have added toxic chemicals to our land fills and waste stream; encapsulating with L-B-C has proven to be an excellent, cost-effective abatement option for lead based paint."
Fiberlock's L-B-C Lead Barrier Compound is an environmentally friendly, high-solid, elastomeric-thermoplastic, water-based copolymer certified to meet and exceed all federal, state and local standards for lead-based paint abatement. The compound also contains Bitrex(R), a bitter tasting, nontoxic, anti-ingestant, which discourages oral contact with lead paint.
In addition, Fiberlock manufactures products designed specifically for homeowners, such as Child Guard, a safe, nontoxic, water-based, paint-like coating that can be tinted or painted over. Like L-B-C, Child Guard contains Bitrex(R), and meets or exceeds all projected federal, state, and local standards. Also offered are LeadSafe, convenient, pre-soaked wipes, aiding in the cleanup of deteriorated surfaces or lead-paint dust.
About Fiberlock Technologies
Based in Andover, Mass., Fiberlock Technologies, Inc., is a leading global provider of environmental bioscience technology. Founded in 1984, the company specializes in environmental containment systems and high performance coatings, and offers high-quality lead-based paint, asbestos and mold abatement products, sold exclusively through select distributors. Fiberlock has supplied its environmental control products to top industrial facilities and leading corporations and institutions including the Pentagon, Disney World, IBM, Mobil, Amtrak, Dupont, The National Gallery of Art, Harvard University, General Electric, AT&T and General Motors. For more information call 800/342-3755 or visit www.fiberlock.com.
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