You might require a lead-based paint inspection if your household was constructed before 1978
Paint never lasts forever, and homes constructed before 1978 most certainly have lead-based paint residue. There’s a high chance that regardless if your home was recently painted, underneath a few layers of the fresh new coating, there’s a layer with dangerous lead paint. A lead-based paint inspection can help identify dust and chips that may be of potential danger to you and your loved ones.
What is lead-based paint?
Did you know that for centuries, lead was mixed with paint to improve its durability and coverage? White lead paint was specifically popular for painting toys and houses since it was washable without having to lose its texture. Unfortunately, behind that sheen of fresh paint coating, lurked a horrendous danger.
During the 1970s, the dangers of using lead paint became widely apparent. Chipped lead paint from peeling paint, friction areas, and cracked toy surfaces made it possible for kids to accidentally or purposely ingest lead.
Once in the bloodstream, lead can limit the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. Children with lead poisoning, either chronic or acute, can result in nervous system damage, seizures, language and speech problems, behavioral issues, and in some cases, death.
For adults, exposure to lead can result in kidney and cardiovascular complications, premature birth, and anemia.
The best solution for this is by using preventative measures. The first stage is to hire a licensed lead inspector to do a thorough inspection of your premises.
When to get a lead-based paint inspection
In 1978, the Federal government outlawed the usage of lead paint in any consumer product. Any house built before may still have lead paint either on the interior or exterior surface ( it may be below several deep layers of newer paint coatings).
Sellers and landlords are mandated by law to disclose any information regarding lead paint hazards with an assessment recommendation to verify any of your concerns. EPA guidelines protect you and your neighborhood against lead dust contamination when renovating your household.
What to expect from a lead-based paint inspection
You will need to hire the right service provider. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has very stringent guidelines every inspector is expected to follow. You are likely to get lead exposure via inaccurate or incomplete findings if you hire inspectors that are not certified.
What’s more, is that a combined risk assessment and lead-based paint inspection gives you the info you require to keep your loved ones safe. Also, EPA has a certified lead inspector list for every state.
Know the differences. A lead risk assessment is different from a lead-based paint inspection. An inspection involves checking the inside and outside of your home’s surface and letting you know where the lead paint is. Lead paint still in good condition and is left undisturbed does not necessarily present a hazard.
On the other hand, a risk assessment lets you know whether there are potential lead paint hazards. The risk evaluation also offers an action strategy to mitigate the lead paint danger.
What should you expect? The combination of lead-based paint risk assessment and inspection, a licensed inspector will comprehensively examine your home. The most prevalent lead paint detection method is the use of portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine, but an assessor will send dust, paint, and soil samples to the lab for further testing.
What you can do to prevent lead hazards
You’ll need to take the following steps to prevent exposure if you have lead-painted surfaces in your home.
If the paint is peeling, keep the kids away. The most probable sources of lead dust and paint chips are the doors and windows, though any peeling paint surface is suspect.
Wash toys and your hands regularly. The soil around old houses and house dust are potential lead sources.
Wet wipe windows and damp mop floors. A damp cloth for the windows and a damp mop for the floors will assist in picking up dust without spreading, unlike a dry cloth or mop would.
Don’t Try DIY. If you want to renovate your home with lead-based paint or wish to remove your lead-based paint, it will require specialized service. Hire a certified renovation contractor or licensed lead abatement specialist for the problem.
Change clothes. If you’re working in an area with lead paint, alter and wash the clothes separately when you get home. Don’t go with the shoes inside, or you’ll track lead dust in your home.
