Lead Paint. What You Should Know.

By The Green Grampy, September 2024

Do I have to worry about LEAD PAINT?

Short answer is YES! Lead paint was banned in 1978 due to its toxic nature. Homes built before this time may be at risk of having lead-based paint on their walls or exterior. How can you tell if your home has lead paint? How can you protect yourself and your family? What can happen if you are exposed to lead paint? And who can you call to help?

How do you know if you have lead paint in your home?

If your home was built prior to 1978, it is possible there is some lead paint on your walls or on the exterior of your home.  This is usually not a problem if newer layers of non-lead paint are covering those layers, however it is important to watch out for exposure points should that paint get uncovered.

Here are some exposure points to keep an eye on:

• Windowsills and door frames are common locations where paint starts to wear down and chip. Check these locations occasionally to make sure layers underneath are not exposed.
• Stairs, railing, banisters, and other regularly touched or walked on spaces are at an increased risk of wear-and-tear. Pay attention to these places and watch for damaged paint.
• Keep an eye out for chips of paint broken off on walls, moving furniture around can sometimes result in bumped walls causing gashes and chips to break off.
• Hanging shelves and frames on walls is a common way to spruce up a room, but putting screws into walls can pull dust from hidden layers beneath the surface paint. Be cautious of creating dust when hanging decor around the home.

How can you protect yourself and your family?

When exposure points are found, there are simple actions that can be taken to protect yourself and others. While some actions require a professional, there are things you can do yourself as well. Consider these actions where there are lead concerns:

• Always wipe down any dust from holes and other damage to paint with a wet rag or towel (disposable rags are best so you can throw them away when finished). NEVER use a duster or blow dust into the air, lead particles are very small and can be inhaled causing many health problems.
• Always wear a mask if you need to address a possible lead issue.
• Good ventilation is important.
• Paint over damaged spots to cover possible lead paint and reduce exposure. (Do NOT sand the area if you suspect lead).
• It is recommended that you don’t try to handle lead paint by yourself and always contact a professional.

Why is lead paint dangerous?

Lead paint has been found to significantly increase the risk of cancer but also has many other symptoms that can be caused by exposure.

5 signs to watch out for that may indicate lead is in your home:

• Your home was built before 1978
• Alligatoring paint – this is when you see paint cracking in a geometric like pattern (this is often seen on the outside of older homes due to moisture and light exposure).
• Chalking – You can see a chalk-like residue when wiping paint.
• Multiple sub-layers – Many painters will paint over old layers rather than removing them first so watch for chipping or pealing in your paint.
• Physical symptoms from exposure: some symptoms only appear when the body reaches a dangerous level of lead poisoning. If you notice these symptoms and think there might be lead exposure, be sure to seek medical help as soon as possible. Some symptoms include:
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Hearing loss
  • Seizures
  • High blood-pressure
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Headaches
  • Memory and concentration problems
  • Mood disorders

If you think you might have lead in your home, it is always a good idea to get it tested.

Who can help with testing and fixing lead issues?

• If you are looking for lead testing, a quick online search for testing and consultations in your area will help you to find a contact.
  • For NH and surrounding areas, RPF Environmental offers many hazardous material tests including lead, mold, silica, and more.
• If you have a go-to contractor, likelihood is, they know how to work with possible lead exposure when working on projects in your home. Reach out and schedule a consultation when work is needed.