As with many products used in our homes in the past, we find over time that there may be potential health issues related to exposure. Lead is toxic; we all know that. Over time, efforts have been made to eliminate the use of lead and educate people on the potential hazards of exposure to lead and lead-based paint.
Peeling paint on door and walls
For many years, lead-based paints were the standard in homes across the country. It was a good product, and it was durable. As we learned about the health hazards associated with exposure to lead-based paint, we started to eliminate its use in homes. Lead paint was banned in 1978, so if your home was built before that, you may very well have lead-based paint in your home.
Why was lead added to paint?
Occurring naturally, lead is a metal element in our earth’s crust. Lead is toxic and can result in serious health-related issues for humans and animals, such as your pets.
Lead is number 82 on the periodic table of elements
Lead also has many desirable characteristics and benefits. Lead is highly malleable, ductile, and resists corrosion. Lead was used in many products in and around homes in the early 1900s. Lead was used to make water pipes, waste pipes, solder, paint, flashings, and cosmetics.
Lead was added to paint to give it a quicker drying time, durability, help prevent moisture-related corrosion, and provide a lasting, shiny new appearance.
Lead is a proven health hazard.
Lead has been shown to contribute to several health-related issues that can damage the nervous system, kidneys, brain, and reproductive system in humans. Children and pregnant women are at the highest risk of health-related issues from lead exposure. Lead can also stunt growth and development in children.
The body of a child will absorb more lead than that of a fully grown adult, according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Also, children are more likely to put an object in their mouth. Some of these objects in older homes may have the potential to contain lead. Paint chips, for some reason, seem to be something that a child will put in their mouth, chew, and swallow. As we discovered the negative effects of lead-based paint exposure, the government stepped in.
Lead-based paint is banned.
The government banned consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978. If you have a home built before 1978, it is likely that there is lead-based paint in your home.
Statistics show that 87% of homes built before 1940 have a high likelihood of having lead-based paint. That number is 69% for homes built between 1940 and 1959 and 24% for homes built between 1960 and 1977.
Older homes that have been updated or renovated more than likely have several coats of lead-free or latex paint over the top of the old lead-based paint. We tell our home inspection clients that as long as you do not disturb the old lead-based paint, you will be fine. However, if they engage in a home renovation project or decide to strip the paint off of the old wood trim, they need to do their research, take proper precautions, or hire a professional.
The EPA has published a guide, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, that will help you understand the risks associated with lead in your home.
In 1992, Congress passed the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act. This set of laws requires that known information regarding lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards be disclosed as part of the sale or lease of a home if the home was built before 1978.
This bill states that landlords or home sellers are required to meet certain requirements as a result of a sale or lease:
· Provide the EPA’s guide regarding lead-based paint.
· Disclose any known lead-based paint hazards.
· Provide any historical records or reports of the home’s lead-based paint hazards.
· Provide a signed and dated attachment stating that the home seller or landlord has complied with all lead-related requirements as a part of any contract or lease.
· Sellers must allow potential buyers adequate time to conduct lead testing if requested.
Summary
Lead-based paint is a potential hazard to you and your family. Taking the proper precautions when performing any remodeling is key and can be managed.
Although lead-based paint testing is outside of the scope of an inspection, testing can be added for an additional fee. When performing a home inspection, our inspectors will address any questions regarding lead-based paint and guide our clients to seek out the education and precautions necessary in the event of any remodeling questions.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect all areas of the home. Any issues found are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.