There was a time long ago when lead was used in paint; it provided a better look, dried faster, had better moisture resistance, and was less corrosive and more durable. But by 1978, the EPA decided to ban its use in the paint due to significant health hazards related to lead-based paint. Children under six suffer from kidney, mental development disorders, and even death. Pregnant women gave birth to children with defects, and men had impotence.
Because of its many known benefits, lead-based paint was used indoors and outdoors. Homes from 1978 and earlier are usually covered with lead-based paint, but even houses from the early 80s probably have lead-based paint from remnant stockpiles.
Lead-based paint is a danger when it becomes disturbed and is airborne. The material can become loose during grinding and sanding, painting over it, when it begins peeling, and when a structure covered in lead-based paint is destroyed. The lead particles are microscopic and settle in the dust, where it ends up on children’s toys and in the air, you breathe. The fine lead particles are easily absorbed through the skin and can be digested from hand to mouth when eating food when children place toys in their mouth or take pieces of peeling paint chips to eat, which have a sweet taste.
Lead testing near me
Because of the health risks of lead-based paint poisoning, it is essential to have the paint tested before you paint over it, grind or sand it down, or disturb any building material with paint. You can collect small samples of paint yourself and have them examined by a lead testing lab near you for the presence and total lead content. The lead testing lab will need to hold a heavy metals testing certification for the results to be accepted by the city where you live, so make sure the lab has the requisite accreditation when you hire them to do the testing.
Lead paint home inspection
If you want to repaint the entire home inside and out, it would be best to get a lead paint home inspection by a professional. The work can be complicated and tedious. Unless you are well trained to do so, you should have an expert take care of this task.
Lead paint inspector near me
Alternatively, you can hire a certified lead-based paint inspector to conduct a full inspection for you. This is usually more practical or necessary for demolition work or significant renovations. The job will likely be performed by a licensed contractor who will require a lead-based paint report from a lead inspector. Your local building department will also need the report to issue a permit for the project. Call your local building permit department and ask them for a list of qualified lead testing firms and consultants in your area; they usually keep a list of all the certified local professionals since they issue their license. You may also search online for “lead paint inspector near me” to find one. 5 Microns Inc offers lead testing services. You can send us your samples for testing, or we can have one of our inspectors perform a full inspection. We are open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
