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LEAD EXPOSURE IN THE HOME

WARNING! THIS HOUSE COULD BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!

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You would be hard-pressed to sell a home with such a label attached to it. And yet, many older homes in the United States qualify.

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Lead-Based Paint​

Before 1978, lead-based paint and enamel were widely used in homes and offices. However, chipping and peeling paint can expose occupants to this hazardous material. In addition, many older plumbing systems use lead-based solder to join pipes. This lead can leach into the water, especially when running hot water. In certain areas, high lead concentrations can even be found in the ground soil.

 

Unknown in years past, it is now clear that lead causes many health-related problems. In children, this can include growth and learning disabilities, headaches, and even brain damage. Adults are not immune, either. High levels of lead have been tied to problem pregnancies, high blood pressure, and digestive problems.

Lead Inspection and Testing - XRF Testing Available

Get results in seconds whether there is lead-based paint in your home. 

 

Before buying or selling an older home, you need to know what hazards exist. If selling, federal law stipulates you must disclose any lead-based paint in the home you are aware of. If you are buying, you want to know what hazards may be lurking in the walls and pipes before you put up your earnest money. If you suspect a house contains high levels of lead, you should contact a qualified professional to do an inspection.

 

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer

Delaware State Certified Lead Inspectors

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Two certified lead-based paint inspectors/risk assessors on staff at Reliable Home Inspection Service.

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Many solutions exist for cleaning up lead concentrations. Depending upon your situation, you may find one of these an adequate solution.

 

  • Removing lead-based paint, for example, may be as much trouble as it is worth. First, stripping the paint from the walls is likely to create dust and debris, which is more likely to be ingested. Given these hazards, you should consult a state-certified lead inspector to complete this work.

  • Short of removing the paint, you can get by covering the old, lead-based paint with a coat of sealant specifically designed for this purpose.

  • Once again, a certified inspector can recommend an appropriate solution. Financial assistance is even available in certain circumstances. Consider asking one of our certified lead inspectors to examine your property!

 

So even though a house may not carry a warning label from the EPA, a little common sense and a sharp eye should keep your family safe from lead exposure in the home.

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