How to Check for Lead Paint In Your Home (And What to Do About It)

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Learn how to safely test for lead paint in your home or rental
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Lead paint was commonly used in residential buildings before 1978, but it is still present in many old homes. Because lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious medical issues, it’s important to identify any lead paint in your home and learn how to treat it. We spoke with environmental and occupational law attorney Gregory Cade and painting specialist Andre Kazimierski to learn how to identify lead paint and confirm it’s present with a professional test. We’ll also tell you how to safely deal with lead paint if it’s in your home.

How to Tell If You Have Lead Paint

Homes built before 1978 are most likely to have lead paint. Look for cracked, chipped, or wrinkled paint that forms a pattern resembling alligator scales. Chalky residue and a home lead test may also indicate lead. The only way to 100% confirm your home has lead paint is to hire an EPA-certified lead inspector.

Section 1 of 4:

Signs of Lead Paint in Your Home

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  1. Lead paint was officially banned in 1978, so Kazimierski says you can “assume there’s a chance of lead” in any home built before this. [1] Cade agrees and says most homes built before 1980 often have lead-based paint on the walls, doorways, stairwells, and baseboards. [2]
    • Older homes are more likely to contain lead paint. For instance, about 69% of homes built between 1940 and 1959 have lead paint, while about 87% of homes built before 1940 have lead paint. [3]
    • Often, historic buildings or homes that are old and have not been renovated contain lead-based paint.
  2. If you do not own the home and are a renter, talk to your landlord about the age of the home. Ask them if they know if there is lead-based paint in the home. If you own the home or are looking at one to buy, contact the previous owners to find out if they know if there is lead-based paint in the house.
    • The EPA requires landlords, homeowners, and real estate agents to disclose any information about lead paint used in the home and its potential risks to renters and buyers. [4]
    • If a landlord, homeowner, or real estate agent failed to inform you about lead paint in your home, report the violation on the EPA’s website .
    • If you’re looking to rent or buy an old home, it’s a good idea to get a paint inspection from a certified inspector.
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  3. Paint that is peeling, chipping, cracking, chalking, or scaling can be a potential sign of lead, as this implies the paint is old. Cade says lead paint poses a “significant health threat when it is in a broken, cracked state” because it releases lead dust that is easily inhaled or ingested. [5] High-impact areas like windows, doors, baseboards, stairs, railings, and porches tend to deteriorate more quickly and are at a higher risk of exposure because children can chew these areas and they’re more heavily trafficked. [6]
    • Note: There is no visual way to tell if paint contains lead. Deteriorating paint is simply a potential sign. To confirm if paint contains lead, you have to get a professional test done.
    • If you notice the paint is deteriorating and suspect it may be lead-based, test the paint so you can address the issue immediately.
    • Check if there are multiple layers of paint, too. This can be a sign that the lead paint was painted over to encapsulate it.
  4. The EPA recommends 2 commercial home testing kits for checking for lead: Luxfer Magtech LeadCheck (formerly 3M LeadCheck) and D-Lead . [7] Simply follow the directions to use the kit properly, which typically involves activating the applicator and rubbing it against the paint. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. [8]
    • Cade explains that home testing kits contain “a chemical that changes color if lead is detected.” Simply consult your testing kit’s instructions to see if the paint contains lead. [9]
    • Note : Home test kits for lead paint are not always reliable and can result in false positives or negatives. Cade says they are not as accurate as a professional test on the paint. [10]
    • The tests recommended by the EPA have the highest reliability of correctly detecting lead in paint. Other tests are not as accurate, so use them with caution.
    • The EPA also recognizes the State of Massachusetts kit, but it is only available to Massachusetts inspectors and risk assessors. [11]
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Section 2 of 4:

Getting the Paint Professionally Tested

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  1. If you are a homeowner, use the EPA’s lead inspector locator to find a professional in your area, or contact your local department of health. If you are a renter, contact your landlord so they can arrange a professional test on the paint in your home. Only lead inspectors and risk assessors certified by the EPA are qualified to test for lead paint in your home. [12]
    • Certified lead inspectors use special tools and testing kits, like the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, to determine if lead is present in the paint.
    • A professional lead inspection usually costs between $300 and $700, though the exact price depends on the size of your home and your location. [13]
  2. According to Cade, the professional inspector will tell you if there is lead paint in your home and if so, provide you with a “risk assessment indicating how to mend the hazardous areas.” [14] Depending on the condition of the paint, they might advise you to remove it, paint over it, or simply maintain it to keep it in good condition. [15]
    • In general, lead paint that is in good condition (i.e., not peeling, chipping, or chalking) and isn’t in danger of being disturbed (like from renovations) is not considered a health hazard. [16]
    • Always keep children away from lead-painted surfaces , whether the paint is peeling or not. Chewing or licking lead paint can lead to exposure.
    • If there is lead paint in your home that is in good condition , keep it maintained to prevent lead exposure: [17]
      • Regularly check the paint for damage or deterioration, repainting as needed.
      • Regularly dust painted surfaces with a damp cloth.
      • Regularly mop and dust other horizontal surfaces.
      • Wipe and remove your shoes before entering your house.
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Section 3 of 4:

Dealing with Lead Paint

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  1. Kazimierski says “as long as you're not disturbing the surface” and the lead paint is in good condition (not chipping, cracking, or deteriorating in any way), you can paint over it to seal it and prevent any lead particles from entering your home. He recommends using a “high-quality bonding primer” first, followed by your paint and a topcoat. [18] Just wear proper safety equipment and follow proper precautions before painting. [19]
    • Safety equipment : Disposable N-100 respirator , disposable coveralls , disposable shoe covers
    • Safety procedures : Remove furniture and other items, then cover the floor with plastic sheets or a tarp. Then, seal the doors to the room with plastic sheets or tarps. Clean the area with a HEPA vacuum when you’re done.
    • Kazimierski says to never sand or agitate the paint in any way that creates waste or dust, as this puts you at risk of exposure to lead. Only paint over the paint. [20]
    • If you don’t feel comfortable painting over the lead paint, hire a lead-safe certified contractor to paint the area.
  2. Another way to encapsulate lead paint is to cover it with a new surface, such as drywall. This prevents the lead paint from getting damaged and increasing the risk of exposure. Either put up the drywall yourself (if you feel comfortable and know how) or hire a lead-safe certified contractor to install the drywall. [21]
    • Wear proper safety equipment if installing drywall yourself, including an N-100 certified respirator, disposable coveralls, and disposable shoe covers.
    • Follow proper safety procedures : Remove any furniture and items in the room. Then, cover the floor with plastic sheets or a tarp. Seal the doors to the room with plastic sheets or tarps. Clean the area with a HEPA vacuum at the end of each work day and mop/wet-dust all surfaces to remove any dust. [22]
  3. If the lead paint is hazardous (chipping or peeling) and needs to be removed, the EPA does not recommend removing it by yourself. Removing lead paint can be difficult, as you have to use special removal methods and follow proper safety procedures, as well as wear protective equipment. Instead, hire a contractor certified and trained in lead-safe work practices to remove the paint for you. [23]
    • Doorways, windowsills, and stairwells that contain lead paint may need to be completely replaced.
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Section 4 of 4:

Health Risks & Symptoms of Lead Paint

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  1. Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is poisonous to humans when ingested or inhaled. It mainly affects the nervous system. As it accumulates in the bloodstream, it can cause developmental delays, memory problems, and nerve damage. Large exposures can severely damage organs, causing seizures, comas, or even death. [24]
    • Children and pregnant people are at higher risk of exposure to lead.
  2. Lead poisoning shows up differently in children and adults, so check for the following signs. [25] If you think you or your child has lead poisoning, visit your healthcare provider immediately. They will do a blood test to check the amount of lead in your blood. [26]
    • Symptoms in adults : Headache, abdominal pain, joint/muscle pain, high blood pressure, memory or concentration problems, mood swings
    • Symptoms in children : Irritability, learning difficulties, loss of appetite, fatigue, developmental delays, abdominal pain, vomiting, hearing loss, pica
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  • Question
    How can you tell if it's lead paint?
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law.
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Expert Answer
    The safest way to evaluate the status of your paint is to arrange for a full inspection of all painted surfaces or a risk assessment indicating how to mend the hazardous areas.
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  • Question
    How can you tell if old paint contains lead?
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law.
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Expert Answer
    Lead-based paint was commonly used before the 1980s, and its presence in households poses a significant health threat when it is in a broken, cracked state. The most accessible way to determine if the paint on your walls contains lead is to hire a certified lead-based plant inspector to conduct an assessment of the building.
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  • Question
    I have been sleeping in a lead-exposed room for 3 years, am I okay?
    C Grace
    Community Answer
    The only way to be sure is to take a blood test, and discuss any symptoms with your doctor.
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      Tips

      • While rare, it’s possible for homes built in the 1980s and 1990s to contain lead paint, as contractors and painters may have stocked up on lead paint before it was banned. It might be necessary to test for lead paint if you notice lots of built-up layers of paint or cracking, chipping paint. [27]
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      Warnings

      • Keep children and pregnant people away from lead paint and any renovation work, as they are at greater risk of exposure to lead. [28]
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      • Always wear proper protection and follow proper lead-safety procedures before painting or covering lead paint. Consult the EPA’s website for proper DIY instructions.
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      References

      1. ↑ Andre Kazimierski. Painting Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 January 2022.
      2. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead
      4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosures-about-potential-lead-hazards
      5. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead
      7. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/what-lead-test-kits-are-recognized-epa
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/lead-test-kits/how-to-test-paint-with-a-lead-test-kit/
      9. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
      1. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-test-kits
      3. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/how-can-i-tell-if-my-home-contains-lead-based-paint
      4. ↑ https://www.angi.com/articles/lead-paint-inspection-cost.htm
      5. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/questions-and-answers-homeowners-and-renters-about-understanding-lead-inspections-risk
      7. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead
      8. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead
      9. ↑ Andre Kazimierski. Painting Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 January 2022.
      10. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-safe-renovations-diyers
      11. ↑ Andre Kazimierski. Painting Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 January 2022.
      12. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2502.pdf
      13. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-safe-renovations-diyers
      14. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-safe-renovations-diyers
      15. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717
      16. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717
      17. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/paint.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/sources/paint.htm
      18. ↑ https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/lead-poisoning-from-paint
      19. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/paint.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/sources/paint.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To identify lead paint, talk to your landlord or the previous owner to find out if your home was built before 1970 when lead paint was still commonly used. You can easily make sure by purchasing a home testing kit from your local hardware store or online and testing a sample of the paint. Alternatively, contact your local department of health or a lead testing service to have your paint professionally tested. For any lead paint that’s peeling or flaking, you’ll need to get rid of it or hire a professional to do it for you, since breathing in the particles can be toxic. If you decide to remove the paint yourself, make sure you wear safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator to protect yourself. For more tips, including how to cover lead paint with drywall, read on!

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