Lead-based paint was used in nearly all homes built before 1978. Unfortunately, this means that many older homes still contain lead-based paint, which can pose a potential health hazard to occupants.

If you're living in or planning to purchase a home built before 1978, it is important to have a lead hazard inspection performed to ensure your family's safety. Here are some common questions and answers regarding lead hazard inspections.

Why Is a Lead Hazard Inspection Important?

A lead hazard inspection is a type of evaluation performed on pre-1978 housing. The primary objective is to identify any sources of lead contamination and determine if hazardous lead levels are present in the residence.

During an inspection, trained personnel will use visual and analytical tests to locate any existing lead hazards within the structure. These tests help identify the locations of lead-bearing materials, such as deteriorating paint or contaminated soil.

Once completed, the inspector will provide you with a written report and recommendations for mitigating any potential risks associated with exposure to lead-based paint or other sources of contamination.

What Does a Typical Inspection Involve?

The inspector will first perform a visual assessment of the property's exterior and interior surfaces for evidence of chipping, peeling, cracking, or flaking paint. They may also visually inspect for dust and soil samples that could contain high concentrations of lead particles from deteriorating paint chips.

The particles could also be from settled house dust particles from exterior sources such as soil erosion or vehicle exhaust fumes from nearby roads. If necessary, the inspection expert may also take samples from certain areas using specialized equipment such as XRF analyzers or swab kits that can measure the lead concentration in painted surfaces, dust particles, and soil samples to generate an accurate reading.

What Are the Potential Risks of Lead Exposure?

Lead poisoning is a serious health concern for anyone living in an environment with evidence of deteriorating paint chips or dust particles containing high concentrations of lead particles. It's very easy to inhale or ingest these particles over time accidentally.

Symptoms of lead poisoning include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. You could also experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and even memory loss if left untreated for too long.

You need to have your home inspected regularly by trained personnel who can identify potential sources of contamination and recommend mitigation methods such as repainting affected areas using non-toxic paints. You could also seal these areas with sealants formulated to prevent further deterioration.

The intense contamination could be due to moisture intrusion or weathering effects caused by rainwater runoff from nearby structures or vehicles parked too close to the house perimeter walls.