If you live in or are considering buying a home built before 1978, you may be wondering: How can you tell if your home has lead paint?
Lead-based paint was widely used in homes before the U.S. banned its use in residential properties in 1978. While lead paint can be a serious health hazard if disturbed, there are ways to determine if your home contains lead paint and steps you can take to minimize the risks.
How to Know If Your Home Has Lead Paint
The easiest way to determine if your home has lead-based paint is to consider its age. Homes built:
- Before 1940: 87% likely to contain lead-based paint
- Between 1940-1960: 69% likely to contain lead-based paint
- Between 1960-1978: 24% likely to contain lead-based paint
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
If your home falls into one of these categories, the best way to confirm the presence of lead paint is through testing:
- Lead Test Kits – Available at hardware stores, these swab-based tests can detect lead on painted surfaces.
- Professional Lead Inspection – A certified inspector can conduct an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) test or collect paint chip samples for lab analysis.
What to Do If Your Home Has Lead-Based Paint
Finding lead-based paint in your home doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in immediate danger. The key concern is whether the lead is disturbed, creating dust or chips. Here’s what you should do:
1. Assess the Condition of the Paint
- If the paint is intact and not chipping: You can encapsulate it with a special coating to prevent exposure.
- If the paint is peeling, cracking, or in high-friction areas (doors, windows, trim): It must be properly removed or stabilized to prevent dust exposure.
2. Hire an EPA-Certified Contractor
Any renovation, painting, or remodeling work that disturbs lead paint requires proper handling. Not all contractors follow EPA guidelines, so ensure the company you hire:
- Is EPA-certified
- Provides you with the “Renovate Right” pamphlet (required by law)
- Follows lead-safe work practices, including containment, PPE, and proper cleanup
3. Understand Proper Containment & Cleanup
If lead paint is disturbed, containment and cleanup are essential to protect your family from lead dust. A professional contractor should:
- Seal off the work area with plastic barriers and post warning signs.
- Cover floors, furniture, and vents with impermeable plastic sheeting.
- Use HEPA vacuums to collect fine lead dust (household vacuums cannot capture it).
- Conduct a thorough cleanup and testing before reopening the area.
Can You Just Paint Over Lead Paint?
No, simply painting over lead paint with regular paint is not a safe solution. Instead, a special encapsulant must be used to properly seal and contain lead hazards. While encapsulation is an EPA-approved method, it requires precise application and should only be done by trained professionals.
DIY attempts can disturb the lead, increasing exposure risks. Additionally, encapsulation is not a permanent fix—over time, surfaces may degrade, requiring further remediation. To ensure safety, always consult an EPA-certified contractor before addressing lead paint in your home.
Work with Lead-Safe Professionals
At George Apap Painting, we are EPA-certified and follow strict lead-safe protocols to ensure the safety of your family and home. Whether you need lead-safe interior or exterior painting, encapsulation, or full lead paint removal, we have the expertise to handle it properly.
If you suspect your home has lead paint or need a professional assessment, contact George Apap Painting today for a consultation on our painting services. We serve homeowners in Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Orange, Ulster, Fairfield, and Litchfield counties.
