Boston is filled with beautiful, historical homes, but the down side is that many of those homes put us at risk for lead poisoning-here's what you should know as a home owner.

The Basics
While lead exposure has the greatest risks for children under seven years old, possibly causing damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches, it can also have adverse effects on adults. If you live in a home or are thinking of buying a home built before 1978, there is a good chance that lead is present in the paint.

You should have this verified by a professional, especially if you have children or plan to start a family. Note: If you have been living in a dwelling where lead is present, you and your children can have a simple test to determine the levels present in your body.

What To Do
De-leading a home is an involved process, but one with options.  First, as mentioned earlier, have a professional lead inspector determine where lead is present and whether the levels are legally "high risk," "moderate," or "low risk." Then you can either bring in a professional to de-lead your home and repaint (a great excuse to paint your walls all the colors you always wanted) or you can learn how to do it yourself-but only if your home falls in the moderate or low risk categories. Some paint inspection companies like Panther, (800) 332-LEAD, offer classes for homeowners who want to learn how.

Financial Help for Deleading Your Home
Homeowners are eligible for financial incentives to de-lead their homes. For example, the Massachusetts Deleading Tax Credit provides up to $1,500 and the "Get the Lead Out" program provides low-interest financing for deleading-some homeowners even qualifying for 0% and deferment until the home is sold or refinanced.

Whether you live in an older home or are thinking of buying one, the most important thing is to be aware of the dangers of lead and to know your options.

Next Time: Older homes expose you to the risk of lead poisoning, but did you know that new constructions are more likely to have mold problems?  Next time, I'll discuss mold in homes and what you can do about it.