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Lead-Based Paint: The Hidden Poison

By
Home Inspector with NextDay Inspect

The fears associated with lead-based paint are mostly in place for homes that are much older than 50 years, usually around 100 or more years old. This is because that means the lead paint has remained airborne for much longer. Remediation can be costly, so making sure that testing is done as soon as possible is something that every homebuyer should consider. Washington, D.C is one city that contains a very large amount of homes with lead-based paint, in fact, the city has an organization that will sometimes require a certification from a third-party inspection company to ensure that the home is properly tested for Lead.

What is lead-based paint?

Lead-based paint is a type of paint that was used in homes before 1970. It is made up of small, heavy particles and is often found in older, urban areas. When lead-based paint chips or flakes off of walls or ceilings, it can be ingested by children and become a source of lead poisoning.

Can you tell if you have lead-based paint in your home?

There is no one definitive way to determine if you have lead-based paint in your home. The health effects of exposure to lead are well known and can be majorly harmful. If you believe that you may have lead-based paint in your home, it is important to contact a professional who can help assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for safeguarding your health.

 

What states have homes with lead-based paint in them?

As of 2013, there were an estimated 2.3 million homes in the United States that had lead-based paint. This number is likely to increase as more homes are renovated or replaced.

Lead can be toxic to the body in high doses and can cause neurological damage, seizures, heart defects, and death in children. In adults, lead exposure can increase the risk of hypertension, kidney disease, and reproductive problems.

Why did homes use lead in their paint?

Lead was commonly used in paint until the 1970s because it was a very effective and inexpensive material. Today, lead-based paint is no longer used in most homes due to health concerns.

Comments (3)

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello and thank you for sharing this interesting blog with us here in the Rain.  Older houses should be tested.

Aug 20, 2022 08:54 AM
NextDay Inspect

Agreed, sometimes D.C homeowners like to cut corners. Can't take chances on Lead!

Sep 05, 2022 08:44 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Hi,

Enjoyed your blog page, and I added you as a friend. I would love the follow back. Thanks Bill

Aug 20, 2022 01:10 PM
NextDay Inspect

Thanks Bill, appreciate your patronage! You absolutely deserve a follow back 😁

Sep 05, 2022 08:45 AM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Great information thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.

Aug 21, 2022 03:46 AM
NextDay Inspect

You as well Richard! Thanks for reading.

Sep 05, 2022 08:45 AM