If your home was built before 1978, there’s a significant chance it contains lead-based paint. Once a common choice for its durability and vibrant colors, lead-based paint has since been linked to serious health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. This guide provides an in-depth look at lead-based paint in older homes, its dangers, and the steps you can take to address it safely.

What to Know About Lead-Based Paint in Older Homes

Understanding lead-based paint and its risks is crucial for homeowners, particularly those living in older houses. This guide covers:

The history of lead-based paint and why it was used
Why lead-based paint is dangerous
How to identify lead-based paint in your home
What to do if your home has lead-based paint
When to call professionals, especially after a disaster

Here’s a closer look at each.

The History of Lead-Based Paint and Why It Was Used

Lead-based paint was widely used in residential and commercial construction for much of the 20th century. Valued for its durability, moisture resistance, and ability to provide bright, long-lasting colors, it was a popular choice among homeowners and builders alike. The inclusion of lead made the paint more resilient to wear and tear, ensuring that surfaces retained their aesthetic appeal for years.

However, by the mid-20th century, growing evidence linked lead exposure to severe health risks, prompting concerns over its widespread use. In 1978, the United States government officially banned lead-based paint for residential use, but homes built before this time often still contain it. Lead-based paint can be found on walls, ceilings, doors, windows, and trim, as well as on exterior siding and railings.

Why Lead-Based Paint Is Dangerous

The primary danger of lead-based paint lies in its ability to deteriorate over time. As the paint ages, it can chip, peel, or become worn, releasing lead particles into the air and surrounding environment. These particles can settle on surfaces or mix with household dust, where they are easily inhaled or ingested, especially by young children who frequently put their hands or objects in their mouths.

Health risks associated with lead exposure include:

Neurological damage: Lead affects brain development, particularly in young children, leading to learning disabilities, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems.
Physical health problems: Lead exposure can cause anemia, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.
Pregnancy risks: Pregnant women exposed to lead are at risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and developmental issues in their unborn children.
Cumulative effects: Lead builds up in the body over time, meaning even small, repeated exposures can result in significant health problems.

The risks are particularly high for children under the age of six, whose developing bodies absorb lead more readily, and for pregnant women, as lead exposure can harm fetal development. This makes addressing lead-based paint in older homes an urgent priority for families.

How to Identify Lead-Based Paint in Your Home

Identifying lead-based paint is not always straightforward, as it may not look any different from non-lead-based paint. However, homes built before 1978 are likely to contain it, particularly if the paint appears old or deteriorated. Common signs include:

Chipping or peeling paint: Lead-based paint often deteriorates in areas with high traffic or exposure to moisture.
Dust accumulation: Fine dust near painted surfaces can indicate lead particles breaking away from aging paint.
Multiple layers of paint: Older homes with numerous paint layers are more likely to contain lead in the base layers.

The most reliable way to confirm the presence of lead-based paint is through professional testing. Certified lead inspectors or risk assessors use specialized tools and lab analyses to identify lead content accurately. DIY lead test kits are available but may not provide the same level of reliability or detail as professional evaluations.

What to Do If Your Home Has Lead-Based Paint

If lead-based paint is present in your home, it’s essential to handle the situation carefully to minimize health risks. Follow these steps:

Do not disturb the paint: Avoid sanding, scraping, or other activities that could release lead particles into the air.
Maintain painted surfaces: Keep paint in good condition by addressing minor chips or cracks promptly with safe repair techniques.
Clean regularly: Use wet cleaning methods to reduce lead dust, such as damp mopping floors and wiping down surfaces with disposable cloths.
Limit access: Prevent children and pets from accessing areas with deteriorating lead-based paint.
Consult a professional: For large-scale issues or high-risk areas, hire certified lead abatement professionals to assess and address the problem safely.

In some cases, encapsulation—a process that seals lead-based paint under a protective coating—may be a viable option. However, encapsulation is not a permanent solution and requires ongoing monitoring to ensure the coating remains intact.

When to Call Professionals for Removal or Remediation

If your home is damaged by a disaster and you have lead-based paint, call us for help. Our team uses industry-approved methods, including HEPA filtration, chemical stripping, and controlled removal, to eliminate lead-based paint while protecting your family’s health.

Professional remediation includes a thorough inspection, careful containment of the affected area, and safe disposal of hazardous materials. Post-remediation testing ensures that all lead hazards have been effectively removed. By working with experts, you can rest assured that your home meets safety standards and provides a healthy environment for your family.

FAQ About Lead-Based Paint in Older Homes

Check out these commonly asked questions about lead-based paint. If you don’t see your question here, please call our office and we’ll find you the answers you need.

How Do I Know If My Home Contains Lead-Based Paint?

Homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. Professional testing is the most reliable way to confirm its presence.

Is It Safe to Paint Over Lead-Based Paint?

Painting over lead-based paint can be a temporary solution, but it must be done with proper encapsulation products. Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure the coating remains intact.

Can I Remove Lead-Based Paint Myself?

DIY removal is not recommended, as it can release dangerous lead particles into the air. Certified professionals have the tools and expertise to handle removal safely.

How Much Does Lead-Based Paint Removal Cost?

The cost varies based on the size of the project and the extent of contamination. Contact a professional for an accurate estimate tailored to your home.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Lead Exposure?

Long-term exposure to lead can cause severe health issues, including neurological damage, kidney problems, and developmental delays in children. Addressing lead-based paint promptly can mitigate these risks.

Understanding the dangers of lead-based paint and taking appropriate action is essential for maintaining a safe home environment.