Many house hunters seek an older home for its architectural details and character – qualities they believe are lacking in new construction. For homes built before 1978, however, there may be danger lurking beneath their charming features – lead-based paint.
Once widely used for exterior and interior applications, lead was added to paint to accelerate drying, increase durability, maintain a fresh appearance and resist moisture. Lead also made paint colors bright and rich, thereby boosting lead paint’s popularity among homeowners. Although its health hazards were reported long before the mid-20th century, the substance wasn’t banned for use in paint on the national level until 1978 – although some states banned it even earlier.
Why Lead Paint is a Hazard – Both Interior and Exterior
As you probably already know, lead is a toxic substance, exposure to which can cause the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Memory loss
- Weakness
- Diminished motor skills
- Abdominal pain
- High blood pressure
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Depression
- Feeling distracted
Long-term chronic health conditions involve every major organ – such as heart and kidney disease, as well as encephalopathy, which is a term for any disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead … A pregnant woman’s exposure to lead … is of particular concern because it can result in exposure to her developing baby.”
Lead-based paint is a silent hazard. It poses no immediate risk as long as it’s undisturbed. However, once it begins to peel and flake, people and pets can become exposed. Young children, especially, tend to chew on railings or other paint-covered surfaces, or touch walls and then put their hands in their mouth. On home exteriors, lead paint that chips off and falls on the ground also contaminates the soil.
As home expert Lauren Phillips writes in her article for Real Simple, “Lead-based paint is most dangerous when it is deteriorating – peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, etc. Take extreme caution if you plan to disturb the paint for a big renovation, a repair, or simply a new coat. These activities can create toxic lead dust.”
If you own an older home and notice interior or exterior paint cracking and/or peeling, don’t just hope for the best. Testing the existing paint is the only way to know for certain. Although there are home testing kits for lead that are inexpensive and widely available, according to the EPA, they are not particularly accurate. Our blog post – “How to Stay Safe When Painting Homes With Lead-Based Paint” – covers this topic in greater detail.
Per EPA recommendations, look for a lead abatement company to perform the test. The Paint Manager is a Lead-Safe EPA Certified Firm that has received certification to conduct lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting activities. Please visit the Certifications and Credentials page of our website to view The Paint Manager’s certification.
Should you be in the market for an older home, be aware that although the seller is required to disclose if lead-based paint is present, the seller may not know about it. The federal lead disclosure requirements can be found at 42 U.S.C.A. §§ 4851-56. Those selling their home “as-is” must also disclose the existence of lead paint.
Can You Paint Over Lead Paint?
While this would seem to be an easy solution, there are several factors to consider. According to John McCarter of McCarter Construction, if the existing lead-based paint and surface are in good condition, painting over it can form a protective barrier against the lead paint’s toxins. This process is known as encapsulation.
However, McCarter cautions that not just any kind of paint will safely cover the older, lead-based paint. “There are specific paints qualified as encapsulants that must be used to ensure that dust and fumes are minimized. This special paint is applied carefully and precisely over the lead-based paint to seal it, preventing toxic elements from being inhaled.
“Although homeowners can apply an encapsulant on their own, hiring a professional who is certified to do lead-based paint treatment is the safest way to properly encapsulate a painted space.”
McCarter emphasizes that encapsulation isn’t the solution for every situation.
“If your home exterior [or interior] paint is peeling or flaking, deteriorating, chipped or bubbling, then encapsulation is not a good idea. This is because any paint used to do the encapsulation is very likely to peel and flake as well. Eventually, the toxins underneath the top layer of certified encapsulant paint will still be exposed, creating dangerous conditions for anyone who comes in contact with it.”
Why Removing Lead Paint Isn’t a DIY Job
Should your lead-based paint not be a candidate for encapsulation, removal and repainting by an EPA-certified lead-based paint mitigation professional is the only option that can guarantee the job is performed to standards that will ensure a safe, non-toxic environment. Homeowners lack the equipment, personal protective clothing, training and experience to safely remove lead-based paint.
As Phillips points out, to avoid contact with toxic lead dust, painters must wear filtered masks, specialized suits and gloves. They also must seal the area (if it is not a whole-house renovation), so the dust doesn’t spread to other rooms, and properly dispose of any materials – especially if demolition is involved. Your health and that of your family are not worth risking in an attempt to save money.
“If lead paint is present, contractors are legally obligated to follow these steps and other lead-safe work practices (governed by the Renovation, Repair, and Painting, or RPR, Rule) to reduce risk to employees, residents of the home, and the surrounding environment. Failure to follow these rules can lead to a hefty fine.”
Assuming you’ve already done some online research on removing lead-based paint yourself, pay attention to the red flags that come up. Some websites mention using a wet/dry shop vacuum with a HEPA air filter to clean up lead-based paint chips and dust from the work area. However, they fail to mention how to dispose of contaminated items – including clothing. An EPA-certified abatement company will provide environmentally safe disposal methods that keep lead out of the landfill – and out of your life once and for all.
Don’t Take Chances With Lead-Based Paint Removal – Leave It To Our Professionals!
As mentioned earlier, The Paint Manager is a Lead-Safe EPA Certified Firm that has received certification to conduct lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting activities. We can test for the presence of lead-based paint, as well as remove it or properly encapsulate it, according to the situation. We also provide this service to owners of commercial and industrial properties. Don’t take chances by doing this hazardous job yourself!
The Paint Manager has been proudly serving Central Florida homeowners for over 20 years with experienced, dedicated and professional services that include full-service exterior and interior house painting, roof repair and cleaning, drywall repair, popcorn ceiling texture removal, cabinet refinishing and so much more!
Plus, become a member of The Paint Manager to receive a 15% year-‘round member’s discount. Contact us to learn more about our services and membership discount offer. We look forward to meeting you!