Dangers of Lead Paint Dust and the Importance of Inspection

Lead paint is an invisible danger. Exposure to lead-based paints causes irreversible damage to the physical and mental conditions of individuals.

Here is everything you need to know about the hazards of lead paint dust and why inspections are essential to ensure a safe living environment:

Why Is Lead Paint Hazardous?

Lead is a highly toxic metal that causes harmful effects on the physical health and mental abilities of children and adults. Lead was used as an additive in paints to make them shiny and bright. The use of lead in paints was outlawed in 1978. The houses built before 1978 have lead-based paint, which makes them a health hazard. Lead can enter your body in different ways, the most common being the digestion of lead paint chips. Research shows that the inhalation of lead-based paint dust can lead to lead poisoning.

The hazardous effects of lead poisoning on newborns and children include:

• Slow growth
• Developmental delay
• Learning disabilities 
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Hearing loss
• Seizures

The symptoms of lead poisoning appear in adults as follows:

• Dizziness
• Respiratory problems
• High blood pressure
• Joint pain
• Mood disorders

Lead is especially dangerous for pregnant women and can lead to stillbirth, premature birth, and even miscarriage. 

What is Lead Paint Dust Inspection

Despite the banning of lead-based paint, the walls of many old homes are covered in this poisonous material. Homeowners may add layers of newer paints, but cracking and chipping of paint removes the protective coating. An efficient solution is a lead paint dust inspection. It is a surface-by-surface inspection of your walls to determine problem areas and to measure the presence of lead dust in your home.  

Here are five situations where you should consider lead paint inspection:

• Your home was built before 1978. 
• You’re purchasing or renting an older home. 
• You’re renovating your home and changing existing paint. 
• There is visible paint damage on your walls, such as chipping or cracking. 
• You are experiencing symptoms of lead poisoning. 

Lead-based paint inspection is carried out in various steps. Contractors usually begin with an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to measure the amount of lead in paint. In addition to the XRF reading, contractors may conduct a visual assessment or send the paint chip samples to a lab. Samples are collected from surfaces most prone to lead dust accumulation, including windowsills and floors. After a written report of your paint condition is acquired, experts will suggest the best course of action. 

How to Choose the Right Contractor

Choosing a contractor for lead paint inspection is a difficult task. Here are five tips to get you started:

• Make sure the contractor has their Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification. 
• Ask the contractor to give you a complete run-down of the process. 
• Make sure the contractor has the appropriate tools to provide precise results. 
• Get quotes from multiple contractors. 
• Thoroughly check the customer reviews of every contractor. 

By taking these measures, you can find the right contractor for your home and ensure a safe living environment for you and your family.