Lead Based Paint Testing – Home Inspector

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Lead Based Paint Testing

Lead Based Paint Inspection

Precision Environmental Services will provide an accredited and licensed Lead Based Paint Inspector / Risk Assessor. The inspector will visually identify suspect Lead Based Paint (LBP) inside and outside the property. Samples will be taken using an X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer or surface (paint chips, wipes) samples to identify LBP.

The sampling strategy will be in general accordance with the Housing and Urban Development Guidelines for Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing. Lab analysis will be conducted by a laboratory that is in a National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). NLLAP is a Federal EPA recognized program and the industry standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do DIY lead test kits work?

You may have seen DIY Lead Paint Test Kits at your local hardware store. Typically, these are just a surface test, meaning that they just test the topmost surfaces. They do not tell you if there are lead paints below the top layer that you are testing. With this type of kit, you would rub painted surfaces such as door frames, windowsills, baseboards, and walls with the test kit. If it detects lead it will change color. The downside is that it will also stain the surface. If lead is not detected on that top surface, then it will not change color. The results don’t offer any insight into if the paint below the topcoat is lead paint. So, if you’re planning on doing home repair and painting then it’s a good idea to have a professional test.

What other things in my home are a danger to my children and family?

If your family is showing signs of illness and you suspect it is due to your environment then lead poisoning may be the answer. However, there are a number of other culprits as well. For example, many older homes were built with poor ventilation and over the years develop leaks or other sources of moisture that can contribute to massive mold colonies. You may want to consider looking into mold inspections and testing as well as air quality testing to ensure the quality of the air inside your home isn’t making you sick.

Lead-Based Paint Testing & Inspections in Texas

An inspection will help determine if there are surfaces in your home with lead-based paint. This is good information to have if you are planning to do some home upgrades, especially if it involves disturbing old paint.

You can expect an inspector to look closely at all painted surfaces both inside and outside of your home. Samples will then be collected and analyzed for lead levels. The inspector’s report will tell exactly which surfaces contain lead, but not if the paint has been compromised, exposing you to lead.

Risk Assessment

Lead paint risk assessments provide a better understanding of what kind of danger lead-based paints may be causing in your home. A risk assessment examines places where lead paint is deteriorating. It also takes a look at household dust from floors and windows. The inspector may also collect paint chip samples from outside of your home and around the foundation, including areas where small children play.

The lead paint test report will give you information about exactly where lead contamination is posing a health hazard in your home and define ways that you can fix each area.

While you can choose to have a lead based paint inspection or risk assessment individually, most people choose a combination of both for lead awareness and to learn about how much lead paint abatement or remediation will need to be done.

Chip Away the Dangers of Lead-Based Paint with a Professional Paint Inspection

One of the easiest ways to give your home a new look is to paint. Before you do though, it is important to know if there is a hidden danger lurking beneath the surface of the paint in your house. If your home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance you might have lead paint. Classified as a toxic metal, lead could pose a threat to you and any young children living in the home.

Should I Be Concerned About Lead Based Paints?

Lead is highly toxic and can lead to serious health problems, especially in children. Often accidentally inhaled or ingested by curious kids, lead can cause damage to the brain and other internal organs.

Lead Hazard

In high levels, lead has been linked to some of these conditions in children:

Bone Marrow Issues
Damage to Nerves
Headaches
Hearing Impairment
Kidney Damage
Slowed Growth

Lead Exposure

Lead exposure has also been known to cause behavioral and learning problems, as well as seizures. But children are not the only ones vulnerable to the dangers of exposure to lead. Adults can also experience health issues associated with lead after repeated or long-term exposure, or lead poisoning including:

Anemia
Damage to ears and eyes
Fertility problems in both men and women
High blood pressure
Kidney damage
Memory loss and issues focusing
Muscle and joint pain

Pregnant women also need to be cautious around areas of potential lead exposure, as the toxic metal can pass through the mother’s system to harm unborn babies. That can lead to a variety of health conditions, including premature birth and low birth weight.

When Should I Have My Home Inspected for Lead Based Paints?

If the lead paint in your home has not been damaged, there is little cause for concern. However, lead paint that has been damaged or is beginning to deteriorate can leave toxic lead dust and flakes.

You should also have a lead paint inspection if any of the following apply:

Your home was built before 1978, when lead was used in paints to improve coverage and durability
You’re planning a renovation which could lead to disturbing paints containing lead
You are buying or renting a home and plan to have young children in the home
Your child has been diagnosed with lead poisoning, and you are concerned for your family, pets, and visitors

The only true way to know if a lead paint hazard is present in your home is to have an inspection. A professional inspection can help you identify if lead paint is present on any surface inside or outside your home.

What can I expect from a lead-based paint inspection?

If you are concerned about lead paint in your home, hiring a professional to conduct inspections for lead-based paint or lead paint testing is the most accurate way to ensure your family is safe from lead poisoning.

What if lead paint is found in my home?

Once you have had lead paint inspections or lead paint tests performed on your home, the testing results will tell you if there is lead present in the home and where it is. After that, you will need to make important decisions about how to take care of the lead contamination problem.

Lead Inspection – Abatement

Lead abatement is a process that will permanently remove lead-based paint hazards from your home. Specialized techniques mean you will need a professional to do the lead abatement work. The Environmental Protection Agency has specific guidelines about who can perform lead abatement projects, and they must be certified and follow strict guidelines.

Lead Paint Removal

There are a number of ways you can help protect your family from the dangers of lead-based paint contamination until the issue is resolved.

Clean up and remove any paint chips and dust
Maintain lead free clean areas for children to play
Keep a watchful eye that children are not putting their mouths on painted surfaces or eating paint chips
Remove dust from surfaces in your home on a regular basis, using warm water and being sure to thoroughly clean mops or sponges after use
Leave your shoes outside to prevent yourself from tracking lead dust from the soil into your home
If you are a renter, report the findings to your landlord so they can make the necessary repairs or do lead abatement.

Children’s diet and lead exposure

A healthy diet will also keep you and young children safe. The Environmental Protection Agency says that children who eat well-balanced meals absorb less lead. There are more steps you can take to protect young children from the hazards of lead-based paint:

If your child is between the ages of 1 and 2, have the lead levels in their blood tested
Practice good hygiene, like frequent hand washing, with children to reduce exposure to dust
Regularly wash children’s toys
When drinking or cooking, use cold tap water to avoid lead