Can anyone suggest a cleaning company that specializes in getting rid of lead dust and other hazardous stuff that can build up in older homes from use of the windows, small repair jobs, etc.? I am buying an old home and want to give it a serious once-over for lead before I move in with my toddler. Home is in W. Mt. Airy.

Hi MC -

The Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health should do it for free - since you have a toddler, you fall under the work of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP). I'm attaching the link with the contact information and activities of the program.

http://www.phila.gov/health/units/mcfh/CLPPP/clppp.html

I've partnered with them for work reasons, and they do a very thorough job - PM me if you need more info.

Good luck!

we went through the same thing in the fall moving into an old house with a 4 month old. i obsessed over it and did a lot of research. i highly recommend controlled environmental systems. they were not cheap, but they were very professional and thorough. i worked with michael fox who was very responsive and willing to explain everything thoroughly. their number is 215 542 7000. feel free to contact me directly for more info.