Residential buildings in the early and mid 1900s were painted with lead paint.Lead can cause serious medical issues to those who are exposed to it.Lead paint can still be found in older homes even though it was banned in many cities.Look at the age, condition, and history of the paint to identify lead paint.Get the paint tested to make sure it is lead-based.If you deal with the lead paint, it won't be a problem in your living space.
Step 1: Do you know if the paint is from 1970 or earlier?
Most homes built before 1970 have lead-based paint on the walls, doorways, stairwells, and baseboards.If your home was built in the early or mid 1900s, it may have lead-based paint.Historic buildings and homes that have not been renovated often contain lead-based paint.
Step 2: Talk to the owner of the home.
Talk to your landlord about the age of the home if you don't own it.Do you know if the home has lead-based paint?If there is lead-based paint in the house, contact the previous owners to find out if they know about it.
Step 3: If the paint is bad, you should check it.
If the paint in the home is peeling, it might be time to replace it.This may be cause for alarm if it is lead-based.Lead-based paint can pose a health hazard as it will release lead dust when it breaks down.There are doorways and stairwells that need to be painted.The areas get more wear and tear, which causes the paint to crack, flake, and peel.If you suspect the paint is lead-based, you should test it so you can address the issue immediately.
Step 4: You can do a home test of the paint.
You can buy a home testing kit at your local hardware store.You have to test a sample of the paint for lead.These kits are easy to use.Home test kits for lead paint are unreliable.They won't be as accurate as a professional test.
Step 5: A professional test is done on the paint.
If you are a renter, ask your landlord to arrange a professional test on the paint in your home.You can reach out to your local department of health or lead testing service.For a small fee, qualified individuals can test the paint in your home.
Step 6: Determine if the paint is hazardous.
If there is lead paint in your home, you should take a professional test to see if it is hazardous to your health.It is not a health hazard for lead paint to be in good condition.If your home has lead paint that is in good condition, you should keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get damaged.
Step 7: If it's not hazardous, paint over it.
If lead paint is in good condition, it can be painted over to prevent lead fumes from entering the home.Water-based paints can be used to seal the lead paint so it won't chip.The lead paint is not a hazard if this is done.
Step 8: The lead paint should be covered with drywall.
The lead paint can be covered with a new surface.Everyone in the home will be exposed to lead if the lead paint is damaged.
Step 9: The lead paint should be removed and replaced.
You don't want to sand, power wash, or remove the paint without safety gear, so it's difficult to remove lead paint.Breathing in lead dust can be harmful.If you don't want to put yourself or others at risk, consider hiring a professional to remove the lead paint and replace it with water based paint.It is possible to replace lead paint on doorways, windowsills, and stairwells with new materials.