If you live in an older home, particularly homes constructed before 1978 when lead paint use was banned in the United States, you may be concerned about the presence of lead-based paint. Lead contamination poses a serious health risk and if you suspect there is lead paint in your older home, properly remediating the paint is critical to protect your children and family.
Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about lead-based paint.
Why Is Lead-Based Paint Dangerous?
Lead paint that is not chipping or cracking does not pose a direct threat to your family. The paint is only dangerous when it is eaten or ingested. Symptoms of lead poisoning in children include:
- Trouble learning
- Lethargy
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting and constipation
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
Adults who are exposed to high levels of lead can experience headaches, high blood pressure, joint pain, and stomach pains. If you or your children are experiencing any symptoms related to lead poisoning, contact your doctor right away.
How Do I Know If My Home Has Lead-Based Paint?
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell the difference between paint that is lead-free and contains lead. If your home is older and the paint is beginning to chip or crack, contact a professional lead inspector to have your home's paint tested for lead. There are at-home kits available, but these are not as reliable as having a professional come to your home and test for lead.
The assessor will take several samples of paint throughout your home and send them to a laboratory for analysis. If there are lead levels, the next step is to have the lead paint remediated.
How Do I Eliminate Lead-Based Paint?
Contact a professional lead paint removal service to have the lead paint safely and quickly eliminated from your home. While you wait for the removal service, there are things you can do to protect your family. For example, clean up any paint chips you find immediately. Keep an eye on your kids and do not allow your kids to ingest paint chips.
The lead paint abatement team will use specialized equipment to strip away the lead-based paint and remove any lead paint chips and dust that is created during the abatement process.
Lead paint poses a serious health threat to your family, particularly your children. If you are concerned about lead-based paint in your home, contact a professional to have the paint in your home tested and any lead-based paint removed. Reach out to a lead-based paint removal service in your area.
