And could I use any contractor or do I need one certified in lead abatement? If this is going to cost too much $$$, we unfortunately may have no choice but to paint over what is already there. Thx!

If you google how to remove lead paint safely DIY there is a great piece on how to do this . It requires you wearing a good filter mask and taping of the whole area where you are working with plastic sheeting to seal the area. Then taking away all the sand paper , cloths and any other materils in plastic bags and disposed if at the dumpin the sma eplace as asbestos. This can be done I did it in our sons bedroom in a really old hous e. A big PITA but it can be done . Have you thought about just filling the dents with wood filler and painting over it . Waht is the shape of the wood under the carpet .

Hmm. I would check to see if your local building department has rules about the removal and disposal of lead paint. And given the toxicity, I'm not sure this is something I would DIY. Even it this costs you a fair amount of money to hire a specialist, I think it's worth it, especially if you have kids or pets. You really don't want to mess around with this.

From the close up of your newel posts, you might want to oil them or put some other coating on so they don't dry out..

https://www.leadoutpaintstripper.com/

Thank you for your input. While we are pretty handy around the house with painting, sanding, spackling, appliance fixes, etc, I don't think we are comfortable using stripper, especially on such a huge area. We have 2 (teenage) kids, a cat and a dog in the house, and I don't want to be dealing with the toxic materials (and fumes) involved with stripping - especially since this would likely be a lengthy process with the bullnose trim around each tread. It sounds like the only option is to have the entire staircase stripped, whether it's diy or a professional. I'm now thinking the most realistic scenario would be just to paint over the stairs and get a new runner. Thanks for all your insight!

If I was worried about the kids and pets I would plan a weekend getaway and let the significant other get it done

Just paint over the old paint after proper prep. Using gloves, apply some denatured alcohol to the natural wood please. If it's shellac, it will dissolve and is easily refinished with shellac again.

I would get some quotes on the work first to know what you are really dealing with. I owned an 1860 house in Philadelphia and every contractor and painter I ever dealth with there is lead paint certified because nearly every home has lead paint. It was just assumed that any job they did involved lead. It was never a big cost abatement issue. I would not want to DIY this, but it might not be as big of a deal for a contractor to do the work as you would think. Quotes from painters are free. Casually ask when you schedule an appointment for a quote if they are certified.

" and the doctror (sic) even said the amount of exposure during the stripping was minimal ..."

As a former designated Asbestos Worker, I'd love to hear how the Doctor reached this conclusion.