Since 2010 the EPA has required all contractors who may disturb lead-based paint to become certified renovators. This involves taking an 8-hr class and doing some hands-on specialized activities. One of the activities we did was learning how to test for lead-based paint.
Lead-based paint was only produced until 1978. If your home was built prior to or around this time the paint in and on your home may contain lead. Lead based paint is only dangerous when it is disturbed, so if you are planning a painting or remodeling project that can disturb some old paint, you should have it tested.
This is a simple test that even homeowners can do on their own. Lead tests are available just about anywhere you can buy paint. Testing for lead involves exposing all layers of paint or stain by cutting a small v into the material being tested.
Then a chemical compound is applied to the exposed paint and within 30 seconds will change color if lead is present. There are 2 basic kinds of lead tests. One uses a tube and swab, the other is a cloth that needs activated by water. Here are some examples of what the cloth tests look like.
If you are doing a lead test and discover that lead is present, here are some things you should know. Lead poisoning usually happens through hand-to-mouth activities. Doing a test does disturb a little bit of the lead-based paint, so use some caution and clean up carefully after the test. Baby wipes work really well at capturing the dust on windowsills and can just be thrown away to keep the lead contained and keep your family safe. After doing a lead test, wash your hands especially before eating, drinking or smoking. If you did discover lead, hire a contractor who has been trained on how to contain lead during renovation.
Lead-based paint was only produced until 1978. If your home was built prior to or around this time the paint in and on your home may contain lead. Lead based paint is only dangerous when it is disturbed, so if you are planning a painting or remodeling project that can disturb some old paint, you should have it tested.
This is a simple test that even homeowners can do on their own. Lead tests are available just about anywhere you can buy paint. Testing for lead involves exposing all layers of paint or stain by cutting a small v into the material being tested.
Then a chemical compound is applied to the exposed paint and within 30 seconds will change color if lead is present. There are 2 basic kinds of lead tests. One uses a tube and swab, the other is a cloth that needs activated by water. Here are some examples of what the cloth tests look like.
If you are doing a lead test and discover that lead is present, here are some things you should know. Lead poisoning usually happens through hand-to-mouth activities. Doing a test does disturb a little bit of the lead-based paint, so use some caution and clean up carefully after the test. Baby wipes work really well at capturing the dust on windowsills and can just be thrown away to keep the lead contained and keep your family safe. After doing a lead test, wash your hands especially before eating, drinking or smoking. If you did discover lead, hire a contractor who has been trained on how to contain lead during renovation.
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