Executive Summary:

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is an autonomous legal entity of the Republic of Panama, established under public law, established under Title XIV of the National Constitution with exclusive charge of the operation, administration, management, preservation, maintenance, and modernization of the Canal, as well as its activities and related services, pursuant to legal and constitutional regulations in force, so that the Canal may operate in a safe, continuous, efficient, and profitable manner.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP, for its Spanish acronym) recognizes the need to manage the waterway with criteria that take into consideration the progress of its stakeholders [the Panamanian people], Canal users, communities, and other players involved. Therefore, its mission is oriented towards concepts of development and environmental sustainability.

 The ACP’s environmental strategy is based on three main points: 

1. compliance with the responsibility of managing and preserving the water resource of the Canal Watershed;
2. efficient operation of the Canal; and
3. protection of the environment and fostering sustainable development of the Watershed.

It is worth emphasizing that the vision and mission of the ACP propose the integration of the surroundings in which the Canal operates and its inhabitants.  In accordance with this new vision, the ACP subscribed the United Nations Global Compact in December 2002 and, in August 2002, became a member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).  Furthermore, the ACP follows international standards such as the Equator Principles (EPs) in dealing with environmental impact assessment. In subscribing to these agreements, the Panama Canal Authority reiterates its commitment to take into account the environmental and social aspects in all of its activities and projects to avoid or minimize possible negative impacts.

Challenges:

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) hired a Contractor to build a floating dock, it was discovered that there was lead paint present in several buildings that were set to be demolished. Ignoring this may present more potential problems with disposal, worker safety or other considerations. 

How the Product Helped: 

Because there was no prior experience in lead treatment, a search was conducted for possible solutions. Typical lead paint removal options were analyzed for cost and convenience and among the other products, this product, ECOBOND® - Lead Defender®, offers a lead treatment paint at the best cost.

We are using “as a reference” the ECOBOND® - Lead Defender® in most of the construction projects requiring some kind of lead treatment, because it was tested and approved to use in the Canal; our engineering department only allows specific materials..

Luis A. Henríquez F.
Ingeniero Civil
ACP, (IAIE)

We are very pleased with the results of ECOBOND® - Lead Defender® and suggest others needing lead paint removal to consider this product.

Adrian Sanchez
Project Manager
Panama Canal Authority (ACP)

ECOBOND® - Lead Defender® is specially formulated for residential or professional use with patented lead treatment reagents, paint penetrators, softeners and the best professional grade quality latex paint to penetrate, bond, seal and treat existing lead paint applications and control the spread of airborne lead while providing advanced human bioavailability reduction. ECOBOND®, patented lead paint treatment technology, is the premier lead paint solution and surpasses all other lead paint products because it is the ONLY product on the market that seals as well as treats lead dust and lead in paint with a Patented Paint-it-on Leave-it-on® Formula. While lead poisoning can cause serious health problems for adults, children are especially vulnerable. ECOBOND®, LLC is the nation’s leader in developing and distributing products that improve the protection of human health and safety from the hazards of lead in the home, workplace, and the environment. With over 15 years in patented and proven success, the ECOBOND® family of products have been extensively used in successfully treating lead hazards in over 11,000,000 tons of material while serving over 100,000 customers in the United States and Internationally.

ECOBOND® - Lead Defender® recently announced new research confirming the efficacy of lead treatment protocols with demonstrated benefits by third party validation of a novel, low cost Lead Contaminated Surface Treatment (LCST). This treatment effectively treats and seals lead contaminated surfaces; thereby mitigating the potential for lead exposure hazards to humans and the environment.
To download the full Technical paper titled: “Lead Contaminated Surface Treatment”, visit

http://ecobondlbp.com/studies

The production and propagation of lead-contaminated airborne dust either through peeling of lead-based paint which sheds dust, or through industrial processes such as abrasive blasting, burning and welding using lead-based material; has had a lot of far-reaching harmful effects to all living organisms within reach of this dangerous dust. The focus of regulations within the industry must be to protect its workers. Employees may become exposed to lead or lead dust through recycling or use of lead-based materials while demolishing houses painted with lead-based paint as well as handling lead-based pipes or fitting.

Best Practices for Addressing Lead Paint on Tall Structures

Safely addressing lead paint is challenging in any situation, but it becomes increasingly complicated when lead paint is found on tall structures, such as water or high transmission towers. Despite the inherent risks involved in remediating lead paint, by following best practices, it can be done. 

Why lead paint is so difficult to deal with in tall structures.

Lead paint poisoning most often occurs when the paint begins to chip or flake, or when attempts are made to remove paint from a structure, causing dust. The lead can then be ingested or inhaled. Further, lead does not break down over time and can stick to particles of soil, where it contaminates the ground, and sometimes, the surrounding groundwater. For more information from the EPA on how lead paint poisoning occurs, click here.

When addressing lead paint on a tall structure, all the complicating factors are amplified. Exposure to the elements not only hastens the breakdown of paint, but it also broadens the affected area; wind can carry paint chips a surprising distance. Further, containing all the lead from a large outdoor structure to prevent ground contamination is a logistical challenge. 

Instead of trying to get rid of it at all, if the paint isn't already flaking or turning to dust, you can cover it up with a special treatment. You can now treat lead with our Paint-it-on Leave-it-on® application or remove it rendering it non-hazardous for disposal. ECOBOND® - Lead Defender® seals and treats the lead and lead dust in lead-based paint. This is especially important for lead paint chips or dust that may flake off a tall structure and get blown in the wind and land in adjacent playgrounds, parks or residential yards where children play. In the new Lead Defender formula, Bitrex® creates an added safety barrier to further protect children from lead poisoning by reducing the amount of paint chips or dust a child may ingest. Bitrex® is the bitterest substance known and is added to ECOBOND® to reduce accidental ingestion of potentially harmful materials.

Some considerations for dealing with lead paint on tall structures.

Each project to address lead paint on a tall structure will be unique to the structure itself and the surrounding geography. Considerations such as proximity to highly populated areas, groundwater, or food supplies should be taken into account, and containment should be a goal. Make sure your remediation team appreciates the gravity of dealing with lead paint and is committed to protecting both workers and the general public from its ill-effects. For OSHA's guidelines on dealing with lead in construction, click here. Careful planning can lead to successful and safe outcomes for all.  

 Effect on workers.

The symptoms associated with lead poisoning are severe. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, mood disorders, abdominal pain, and headaches. It causes developmental delays and learning difficulties in children, and fertility issues in adults. Click here for the Mayo Clinic's guide to the symptoms of lead poisoning. 

High-level exposure to this toxic element has the potential to cause adverse effects to the body of the worker with the potential to cause multiple organ failures leading to death. Low-level exposure is also dangerous. Some of the documented health risks brought about by it include cardiovascular problems, kidney failure as well as cognitive and reproductive problems. Some medical journals also put workers that are at risk of exposure to be in danger of developing hypertension and neuromuscular tremors.

What industries should do

Considering the above-mentioned adverse effects to both animals and human beings, construction companies who are the major emitters should cut back on using all raw materials containing lead. They should always remain within the OSHA standard (29 CFR 1926.62) which states that the allowed exposure limit is fifty micrograms per cubic meter of air measured as an eight-hour weighted average. The management must also ensure that the workers are using protective gear when there is any possibility that the work may involve exposure to lead dust.

ECOBOND® LLC is the nation’s leader in developing and distributing products that improve the protection of human health and safety from the hazards of lead in the home, workplace, and the environment. With over 15 years in patented and proven success, the ECOBOND® family of products have been extensively used in successfully treating lead hazards in over 11,000,000 tons of material while serving over 100,000 customers in the United States and Internationally.

When you come home, your dog greets you at the door with a wagging tail and adoring gaze. Even the most reclusive cat has a grudging love for its owner. But anyone who shares their home with pets knows that dogs can be trusted to eat anything and everything in sight, and cats can be counted on to get into all of the dirty, neglected corners of your house. From "hidden" leftovers to scraps from the table, it's one of the most endearing qualities that make dogs and cats the two most popular pets in America. But if your home is older, you may need to see if lead paint removal is needed.

Sometimes this adventurous tendency can lead to severe consequences for animals. Among the most dangerous substances for house pets is lead. The dangers of lead to pets, especially dogs, is well documented. Many older homes with lead paint chipping and dust are potentially dangerous environments. These effects are mostly related to the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. And though dogs are more often affected by paint chips, cats can suffer from many of the same effects if lead dust gets in their food or fur. Symptoms of lead poisoning include digestive issues or abdominal pain, vomiting, severe anxiety, blindness, unsteady walking, tremors, seizures, and lethargy. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about lead exposure. Treatment will depend on the timing and severity of exposure.

How prevalent is lead in the environment? 

Lead exposure varies depending on your surroundings. If you live in an area with older homes, even if you've proactively addressed lead paint on your own property, peeling paint on neighborhood homes or fences can contaminate soil or nearby water sources. Your dog can inadvertently consume lead from paint while rooting around in the grass or drinking from a puddle. Lead dust can stick to paws, and it can be ingested by licking.

The variety of animals affected is larger than just cats and dogs. Some of the most vulnerable pets are birds. Since most pet birds weigh very little, a small flake of lead paint can have a drastic effect on avian health. Birds can even harm themselves by chipping away newer coats to get at toxic paint underneath. But no matter what kind of pet you own, a heart wrenching trip to the vet is best avoided by taking a proactive approach to lead treatment.

If you are a dog owner, you know that dogs are members of our families. They are also often undiscerning consumers of all things edible and inedible, and their natural curiosity can sometimes get them into trouble. We already know how to keep our dogs safe from chocolate, but do we know how to protect our dogs from lead?

How can we protect our dogs? 

Be aware of likely sources of lead paint, and keep your dog away from it, staying especially mindful of properties and structures undergoing renovation. Active construction can significantly increase lead contamination if vigilant efforts are not made to contain dust and debris. Wash your dog's paws after walking in areas where lead contamination is likely. Elevated lead levels can also exist around industrial structures, such as water and high transmission towers. For more information on how lead impacts our environment, you can read the EPA article “Protect Your Family from Exposures to Lead”, click here.

If lead paint is an issue in your home, keep your dog away from renovation projects, and make sure water and food dishes are removed from places where paint could contaminate them, such as peeling windowsills. Consider treating existing lead paint areas with products for removing lead paint in a paint on leave-on application intended for this purpose.  

Even if lead paint is not an issue in your neighborhood, everyday household items sometimes contain lead and should be kept away from dogs. Such items include:

• lead sinkers for fishing
• lead ammunition, especially in the form of pellets
• batteries
• some imported toys

For more information about common household sources of lead, as well as what to do if you suspect lead poisoning in your pet, click here to read the article, “Lead Poisoning in Dogs and Cats” from Pet Health Network.

With awareness, we can identify potential lead hazards to our dogs, and with a little extra vigilance, we can keep our four-legged family members safe from lead!

Solution:

Enjoy Peace of Mind from the Dangers of Lead Paint When You Use Our Proven & Patented

ECOBOND® Family of Products! Now includes Bitrex® a bitter-tasting additive to discourage oral contact! In the new Lead Defender formula, Bitrex® creates an added safety barrier to further protect children (and pets!) from lead poisoning by reducing the amount of paint chips or dust a child may ingest.

Bitrex® is the bitterest substance known and is added to ECOBOND® to reduce accidental ingestion of potentially harmful materials.

Learn how ECOBOND® - Lead Defender® is a Lead-Based Paint Treatment.

Download free Industry Report: http://www.EcobondPaint.com

You are about to embark on a substantial remodeling project. Perhaps you were planning on the entire family participating, or maybe you want to do this alone, or just with your spouse. Excited, you imagine the picture of the room in your head when the job is complete. You anxiously eye your supplies. The wood, nails, hammers, power tools, and the paint. Everything is here that you need to begin.

Or, is it?

Did you remember your personal protective equipment, and your game plan to avoid exposure to lead?

Though lead has not been used in paint since the late 1970s, many homes still have old paint that has either held up or been painted over without being removed. Lead is still used in some construction components, and it can fill the air with dust when agitated. Because of its properties, lead does not break down over time. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ward off lead exposure.

Lead paint was used and promoted in the United States for more than two hundred years. It was popular because it was especially durable and easy to clean. Even into the early '70s, its use was promoted for government buildings, although its use in the U.S. peaked in the 1920s. Although experts have long known that lead paint posed health risks, it wasn't until the mid-1970s that studies of children's blood levels began. Since then, the federal government has periodically lowered the acceptable levels of lead in a child's blood all the way from 60 micrograms per deciliter in 1971 down to the present-day limit of 5 micrograms per deciliter.

Many homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, and people -- especially small children -- living in those homes are vulnerable once that lead paint starts peeling or chipping, or somebody starts sanding it. Even undisturbed lead paint is always a concern because, as an example, a small child may chew the surface it's covering. Unfortunately, toddlers who are cutting teeth are prone to do exactly that! If you're living in a home built before 1978, chances are good that it contains lead paint.

But, you can enjoy peace of mind from the dangers of lead paint when you use our proven & Pptented ECOBOND® family of products; now includes Bitrex® a bitter-tasting additive to discourage oral contact!

Here are a few important items to keep in mind when you have a remodel project and have lead paint to deal with.

Removing damaged areas by sanding requires that you take certain precautions to protect your health and the health of your children: Lead dust typically isn't an ongoing problem inside of homes. However, when it's time to remodel, the lead can easily be liberated into the air. The rubbing of moving parts, such as window frames, can also turn leaded paint into dangerous lead dust. This problem, which can cause lead poisoning, is especially common with old paint. Therefore, you'll need to take steps to handle or prevent lead dust contamination if your project involves a lead-painted area. Please visit the USEPA website for further guidance before beginning a lead paint abatement project.

It is prudent to have professionals help you with risk assessment. Renovation work is especially dangerous when disturbing surfaces with lead paint and a professional should also test your home before any work begins. Also, ensure that you have a certified and trained contractor doing the job. It is not advisable to do it yourself, but if it is a simple remodeling job like door replacement, it is important to know how to protect yourself and your family from lead dust exposure.

Following are vital considerations to both avoid direct lead poisoning and to keep dust from spreading throughout the house.

Containment

It's important to remove as much from the room as you can (furnishings, rugs, decorative objects), lay heavy plastic on the floor and tape around the edges, cover any HVAC registers with plastic and seal with tape, and finally, seal off the door with heavy plastic.

Personal Protection

Personal protective equipment includes: paper booties, a half mask respirator equipped with a P100 filter to prevent inhaling any dust while you work, safety goggles or glasses, and a disposable protective suit that blocks particles in the air. You'll also need gloves.

Work Wet

To keep dust out of the air, use a wet sanding method. Be sure you have a safe way to capture leaded paint slurry and other debris. Once the project is done, take all debris to a facility that handles hazardous materials. Use a spray bottle filled with water and thoroughly wet the area you're sanding, making sure that electric power is turned off if the area is near an electrical outlet. It's important to sand only by hand using a block sander. Working wet will turn the sanded material into a sludge-like material that you can wipe away using rags, and when finished sanding, discard all used sandpaper and rags in proper containers to dispose of at approved facilities for lead impacted materials.

Stay Healthy While Working: Don't Breathe Lead  

If you do not take the recommended route of using our lead paint treatment to cover the impacted areas, you must make sure that lead and lead dust does not spread throughout the house. You can consider using a combination of plastic covers, or ZipWalls, and sticky mats. The ZipWalls will keep dust confined to the work area, while the mats will pull the dust off your shoes so you do not track it through the house when you are quitting for the day or taking a break.

To avoid breathing in the dust while you are working, or consuming the dust orally, wear a respirator whenever you are in the work zone, regardless of whether you are actively working at the time. Wear a protective layer of clothes that you remove at the ZipWall, so you do not shed particles when moving through the house. Also, do not bring food or beverages into the work  area.  When you have finished your project, do not forget to do a thorough cleanup. A big component of this is vacuuming with a HEPA cleaner that specializes in removing small particulates.

Clean Up

Cleaning up after working with lead paint is a bit more rigorous than a normal cleaning would be. Begin by vacuuming thoroughly with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, then go on to cleaning. It's best to use a spray cleaner, wipe, and then rinse with spray bottle. Use a rag or paper towels and dispose of them in a 6-mil trash bag as you work. (You can cover the end of a flat edge screwdriver with a wet rag to dig into cracks to remove any dust or "sludge" that may end up there.) When you're done cleaning, remove all plastic and paper booties. Wash the clothes you were wearing separately from your other laundry, and finish by taking a shower to clean your face, body and hair.

Can lead paint be covered up safely? 

This may be the easiest way to deal with lead paint. Instead of trying to get rid of it at all, if the paint isn't already flaking or turning to dust, you can cover it up with a special treatment. You can now treat lead with our Paint-it-on Leave-it-on® application or remove it rendering it non-hazardous for disposal. ECOBOND® - Lead Defender® seals and treats the lead and lead dust in lead-based paint. In the new Lead Defender formula, Bitrex® creates an added safety barrier to further protect children from lead poisoning by reducing the amount of paint chips or dust a child may ingest. Bitrex® is the bitterest substance known and is added to ECOBOND® to reduce accidental ingestion of potentially harmful materials. 

Consumer Alert: Don't begin a lead paint project until you read this report.  www.LeadPaintRemovalReport.com ECOBOND® - Lead Defender® seals and treats the lead and lead dust in lead-based paint  -> Watch our lead paint treatment video: 

ECOBOND® LLC is the nation’s leader in developing and distributing products that improve the protection of human health and safety from the hazards of lead in the home, workplace, and the environment. With over 15 years in patented and proven success, the ECOBOND® family of products have been extensively used in successfully treating lead hazards in over 11,000,000 tons of material while serving over 100,000 customers in the United States and Internationally.