Lead paint was widely used in residential buildings built in the early to mid-20th century. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems for those exposed to this substance. Although the use of lead paint has been banned, this kind of paint can still be found, especially in old houses and buildings. To identify lead paint, check the age, condition, and history of the paint used. Then, test the paint to confirm if it actually contains lead. You can then figure out how to work around it so it doesn't jeopardize your home.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Checking the Paint's Age, Condition and History
Step 1. Determine if the paint is from 1970 or earlier
Most houses built before 1970, the walls, the entrance area, the walls around the stairs, and the wood lining the base of the walls are mostly painted with lead paint. If your house is old and you know it was built in the early or mid-20th century, your house may have been painted with lead-containing paint.
Often houses or historic buildings that are old and have not been renovated are also painted with lead paint
Step 2. Ask the previous owner or homeowner
If the house is not yours and you are only renting it, ask the landlady how old the house is. Also ask if they know the house was painted with lead paint or not. If the house is yours, check with the previous owner to see if there is lead paint in the house.
Step 3. Check if the paint is damaged
Check the paint at home to see if it's peeling, falling off, or has other damage. If the paint turns out to contain lead, you need to be careful. Damaged lead paint can cause serious health problems because it can release lead dust.
- Pay close attention to the paint that is around the doors and stairs. These areas usually wear and tear more quickly, which causes the paint to crack, fall off, and peel.
- If you notice the paint is damaged and suspect it may contain lead, test the paint so you can fix the problem as soon as possible.
Method 2 of 3: Testing the Paint
Step 1. Do a paint test at home
You can buy paint test kits at a building supply store or online. You will need a paint sample to test for lead. Tools like this are quite inexpensive and easy to use.
Keep in mind that self-testing tools like these are not always reliable. This tool will not be as accurate as testing by an expert
Step 2. Ask an expert to do a paint test
Contact the landlady if you are renting a home so they can contact a specialist to test the paint on your home. You. You can also contact your local health service or lead testing service near you. Qualified experts can test paint at a low service fee.
Step 3. Determine if the paint is dangerous
An expert's test should let you know if there is lead paint in your home and whether it is harmful to your home, as well as your health. Lead paint in good condition, not peeling, falling off, or chipping away, is not considered a threat to health.
If you have lead paint in your home that is still in good condition, you need to pay close attention to make sure it doesn't smudge or start to break down
Method 3 of 3: Dealing with Lead Paint
Step 1. Repaint if harmless
Lead paint in good condition can be repainted to seal and prevent leaded gases from entering the house. You can use a water-based paint to cover the lead paint or an encapsulant that can seal the lead paint from damage. This will ensure that the lead paint is not a threat to you and your family.
Step 2. Cover the lead-painted layer with gypsum board
You can also cover the painted areas with lead paint using a new wall coat such as gypsum board. This will prevent damage to the lead-painted parts, thereby preventing your family members from being exposed to lead.
Step 3. Clean and replace paint
It's not easy to clean lead paint because you have to sand, rinse, or scrape off the paint while wearing safety goggles and gloves and a respiratory protection. Inhaling dust from the lead paint cleaning process is hazardous to health. Consider enlisting the help of a professional to remove lead paint and replace it with water-based paint so that you and your family's health is not compromised.
