Older homes, especially those built before 1950, were often painted with lead-based paint. Exercise caution when working with windows, doors, trim work, wood siding or porches of older homes. For additional information, refer to the Health and safety considerations for energy-efficient renovations section of our website.
A wet/dry vacuum cleaner (such as a Shop-Vac™) with a HEPA filter is the preferred type of machine to use to clean up fibres and dust. Attach an extension hose to the exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner to discharge it to the outside to ensure that any particles travelling through the filter are not recirculated in the household air.
If you can only sweep up the material, wet it first to prevent particles from becoming airborne. Vacuum your clothing to avoid spreading dust and insulation material around the house. Wash work clothes separately from other clothing.
Do not use a household vacuum cleaner especially when removing drywall dust. Drywall dust can damage the vacuum motor as well as furnace fan motors and may void their warranties.