ENV
Lead Based Paint Inspections
Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust can cause lead exposure for young children. They are considered some of the most widespread and hazardous sources for lead exposure for children in the United States.
Approximately 29 million housing units have lead-based paint hazards including deteriorated paint and lead-contaminated house dust. About 2.6 million of these are home to young children. Lead-based paints were banned for residential use in 1978. Homes built in the U.S. before 1978 are likely to have some lead-based paint. When the paint peels and cracks, it makes lead paint chips and dust. Any surface covered with lead-based paint where the paint may wear by rubbing or friction is likely to cause lead dust. Lead dust is common in many areas including windows, doors, floors, porches, stairways, and cabinets.
Children can be exposed to lead if they chew on surfaces coated with lead-based paint, such as windowsills and door edges. They can also be exposed if they eat flaking paint chips or eat or breathe in lead dust.
If your home was built after 1978, you are most likely fine. (Though if you're seeking peace of mind, a quick swab test is not inordinately expensive.) Even if your home was built before 1978, you may not be immediately at risk. Just be sure that the paint on your walls is not deteriorating and is in good shape. Household dust can contain lead from the paint on the walls, but if you are diligent about dusting and vacuuming (and maintaining the paint in high-traffic areas such as windows, window sills, doors, door frames, and stairs), the lead-based paint should not be a problem.
If you have children in your home, though, make sure they are not chewing on railings or other paint-covered surfaces, or touching walls and then putting their hands in their mouths. To keep children completely safe, consider treating any lead paint–covered surfaces.