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LEAD

Paint Testing

WARNING! THIS HOUSE COULD BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!

Are YOU Risking Lead Exposure in your Home?

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.

 

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X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer

Lead Based Paint Inspections with RHIS Inc are available in Delaware ONLY and cannot be performed for performed in Pennsylvania or Maryland.

 

Types of Lead-Based Paint Testing for Home Owners

Lead inspections can be performed with or without a home inspection. This test must be scheduled with our office at 302-993-9100. Please allow one business day for the report to be received. Payment for Lead Testing WITHOUT a home inspection must be arranged and received in full with our office prior to the scheduled inspection date. ​

  • DE Visual Lead Inspection

    •  Approximately 2 hours in length. Only available for home buyers purchasing the home using governments grants or assistance.

    • Purchasing a home in New Castle Count, DE using a grant? If you've been told to get Lead Inspection, this is likely the inspection the county is looking for. Please verify with your realtor or mortgage company prior to booking. Results available after testing in as little as one business day.

  • DE Full Paint Lead Inspection

    • Approximately 4 hours in length depending on the size of the home. Using the XRF gun to shoot through multiple layers of paint and debris.

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.

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

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.

Delaware Certified Lead Inspectors

Lead Risk Facts & The Heath of You and Your Family

Per findings of the EPA, "Lead-based paint is still present in millions of homes, normally under layers of newer paint. If the paint is in good shape, the lead-based paint is usually not a problem. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention.

Children can chew these surface or ingest them via flaking or peeling, especially on surfaces that get frequent wear and teat such as windows and door frames.

Furthermore, the HUD Healthy Homes Program have stated that, "Lead may also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and in extreme cases, death. Some symptoms of lead poisoning may include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness, and irritability. Children who are lead poisoned may show no symptoms."

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