Home Lead Paint Inspections Reveal Most Common Sources of Lead
October 8th, 2014
Lead paint was banned in 1978, but many older homes across the U.S. may still contain the substance. Lead is a toxic chemical that is harmful to adults and is especially dangerous to children. Children exposed to lead can suffer from developmental delays, hearing loss, learning difficulties and several other long-term effects.
Home lead paint inspections are the only way to confirm that your home is lead free. Over the years, Get The Lead Out has discovered several common areas where lead paint can be found in homes. If you have an older home, the following areas may be hazardous to your family’s health.
Vinyl Flooring
Do you have a vinyl flooring? Many people forget that chemicals may have been added to this type of material. Commonly placed in kitchens, entranceways and bathrooms, old vinyl floors can contain lead. Lead was used to help make the floor more durable, but wear and tear is unavoidable over a long period of time.
As the material begins to break apart, lead dust may settle on the surface of the floor. Since this material is used in many kitchens, lead dust can find its way onto your food.
Pipes & Plumbing
Surprisingly, the greatest risk for lead may come from newer homes. Older plumbing systems certainly carry a risk as well, especially those built before 1930, but new homes are at the highest risk of lead contamination.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website states that, “new homes are at risk: even legally “lead-free” plumbing may contain up to eight percent lead.”
When water runs through pipes, it can carry lead with it. In older homes the pipes begin to corrode, allowing small pieces of metal to come loose. Hot water accelerates this reaction. Since most new homes solder (the alloy that joins pipes together) is made from lead, water sitting in pipes absorbs the toxic metal. It can take 5 years for natural buildup to form a protective seal over the lead.
Window Sills and Doorways
Lead dust is usually most noticeable in windows and doorways. Windows and doors are frequently opened and closed, causing painted wood rub together and wear. As this paint begins to chip, lead dust is released into the air and settles on surfaces like floors and window sills. If you see cracked or chipped paint in any of these areas in a home built before 1978, it is likely that lead is present.
Lead Paint Under New Paint – Home Renovations
Older homes may contain lead paint beneath several layers of updated paint. As long as the top layers of paint remain intact, the lead is sealed underneath. When homeowners decide to perform major renovations, this can disturb the dangerous paint below.
For example, someone looking to remove a wall may be unaware that lead paint is present. When the wall is knocked down, large amounts of lead dust may be spread and ingested as a result.
As a result, the EPA created a ruling that contractors must be certified to perform renovations in homes containing lead paint in establishments built before 1978. Considering these facts, it is unwise to perform any renovations yourself.
Home Lead Paint Inspections Done Right
When it comes to ensuring the safety of your family, only the most thorough of home lead paint inspections will do. The experts at Get The Lead Out have been performing in-home examinations for over 20 years. Our certified inspectors will report all problem areas they find and offer solutions to resolve any lead contamination issues.
We are based in Charlotte, but perform home inspections all across the Carolinas. For more information regarding our home lead paint inspections or to make an appointment, please call (704) 376-3594.