If you live in a home built before 1978, you might wonder, “How can you tell if paint is lead-based?” Lead paint was common in homes for decades and began to be banned in 1978 when it was found dangerous to human health. Knowing how to identify lead paint and protect yourself and your family is essential.
Let’s go over the signs of lead paint, and the steps you should take to ensure your home is safe.
Why Is Lead Paint Dangerous?
Lead paint creates lead dust or chips that may be inhaled or ingested by humans and is harmful to health. People who have weak immunity or young children can be at risk. Lead particles readily penetrate young developing bodies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says lead poisoning can be harmful enough to cause learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other serious health problems in children.
How To Identify Lead Paint In Your Home
Now that we know why lead paint is dangerous, let’s look at the ways to know its presence in your home.
Know The Age Of Your Home
The first step in understanding how to identify lead paint is knowing the age of your home. Homes built before 1978 were likely to have lead-based paint.
Check The Condition Of The Paint
If the old paint is peeling from your home, especially from windowsills, doors, and trim, it may be a sign that the paint has left it.
Test The Paint For Lead
The most reliable way to know whether you have lead paint is to have it tested. Testing is done by several methods, which are:
- Lead Testing Kits: These are available at most hardware stores and are not difficult to use. A chemical solution is applied to the paint, and if it changes color, it indicates the presence of lead.
- X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Testing: It uses a device that scans the paint to see if it contains lead. It is fast, noninvasive, and accurate, but it requires professional equipment.
- Laboratory Testing: It involves scraping a small sample of the paint and sending it to a certified lab for analysis. This gives confirmed results about the paint’s composition. Though slower and costlier than some other methods, this is one of the most accurate options.
Get In Touch With A Lead Paint Detection Service
If you have a doubt and want professional help, you can hire the services of a certified lead inspector or risk assessor. They have special equipment and take a sample of paint in your home and test it. They provide you with the findings in a detailed report.
Signs Of Lead Paint: What To Look For
Some clear signs that lead paint may have been used include:
- Chips, Cracks, Or Peeling Paint: This is a common sign of the presence of lead dust or lead chips, especially if you live in an old home.
- Old Painted Surfaces: If you own an old house and have never repainted windows, doors, or trim, you might check to see whether the paint contains lead.
- Renovated Home: If your home was renovated before federal laws banning the use of lead paint came into effect, you have a much higher chance of having lead paint in it, which can spark health problems.
If You Suspect Lead Paint, Then What Should You Do?
If you think your home has lead paint, timely action is important. Follow these few steps to be safe:
Don’t Disturb The Paint
It may be safe if the lead paint is intact and not peeling or chipping. Avoid scraping, sanding, or disturbing it. With disturbance, it can release dangerous lead dust into the air.
Clean Up Lead Dust
If the paint is peeling, clean it with a damp cloth or mop. Do not dry dust, as dry dusting methods can spread lead dust. The best practice to avoid lead exposure is always wearing gloves and washing your hands afterward.
Hire A Professional
If you’re unsure how to identify lead paint or if you’re planning renovations, it’s always best to consult with a certified lead expert. They can perform a risk assessment, suggest abatement options, and help make your home safer.
Renovate Safely
If you intend to renovate your home, it is important to use lead-safe practices. This means using plastic sheeting to seal around areas, wearing protective clothing, and handling lead-contaminating materials properly.
How Can You Tell If Paint Is Lead-Based Without Testing?
Of course, it’s hard to say with certainty without a good test, but look for one of the following clues :
- History Of The Property: Homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead paint.
- Paint Type: Glossy or high gloss paint on windows, trim, or doors may contain lead paint.
- Cracking Or Peeling Paint: Chipping, cracking, tearing, or peeling paint, especially in homes built before 1978, can be a cause for concern.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to identify lead paint in your home is important for protecting your family’s health. Do not take chances with lead paint if you suspect its presence; always have it professionally tested.
Getting too much lead exposure for a young child is too risky to ignore. Seek professional help if you cannot identify or deal with lead paint.
Are you concerned about lead paint in your home? Don’t take chances. We at Pro-Spect are here to assist with lead paint inspections.
We also provide lead-based paint risk identification and safe management. Call us today if you want help with anything related to lead-based paint in your home.