Lead-Based Paint Inspection
(Available as a Home Inspection Add-On Service)
Was your home built before 1978? If so, there's a chance that it contains some lead paint. The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that roughly 35 percent of U.S. homes contain some lead-based paint. The EPA states the older your home, the more likely it contains lead-based paint. For example, 87% of homes built before 1940 have some lead-based paint, while 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 have some lead-based paint. Obtaining a lead-based paint inspection is crucial to safeguarding your family's health. Lead-based paint, once widely used for its durability and color stability, poses serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women. Lead exposure can lead to neurological and developmental issues, behavioral problems, and organ damage.
The lead-based paint inspection helps identify the presence of lead-based paint in your home, allowing you to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks. By knowing the potential hazards and addressing them through professional inspections, you contribute to creating a safe living environment, protecting your loved ones from the adverse health effects associated with lead exposure.
WHAT IS LEAD-BASED PAINT?
Lead-based paint is a type of paint that contains lead as a pigment. It was commonly used in the past for its durability, color stability, and water resistance. Lead-based paints were widely utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, with their popularity peaking in the early to mid-20th century. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-based paint.
DO I NEED A LEAD-BASED PAINT INSPECTION?
Lead-based paint inspections are recommended in the following situations:
Before Purchasing or Renting a Home
If you are buying or renting a home built during or before 1978, you may want to have a lead-based paint inspection. Please consult with your real estate agent or our Environmental Consultant to determine if this inspection is right for you. Federal law requires sellers and landlords to provide information about known lead-based paint hazards and allow buyers or renters a 10-day period to conduct an inspection.
Before Renovations or Repairs
Before starting any renovation or repair work on a home built during or before 1978, it's essential to determine if lead-based paint is present. Disturbing lead-based paint during renovations can create lead dust or chips, posing health risks.
As Part of Routine Home Maintenance
Periodic lead-based paint inspections may be considered as part of routine home maintenance, especially in older homes. Regular inspections can help identify any deterioration of lead-based paint and address it promptly.
For Homeowners with Young Children
If you have young children or are planning to start a family, it may be beneficial to conduct a lead-based paint inspection to ensure the safety of the living environment.
Peeling Lead-Based Paint Chips
Positive Lead Results Using SciAps Testing Gun
Multiple Layers of Lead-Based Paint on Siding
LET US PROVIDE YOU WITH PEACE OF MIND
Alpine Building Performance is a State of Colorado certified Lead Evaluation Firm. Our certification number is 29436.
If you are interested in knowing more about the quality and composition of the materials that make up your home, our lead-based paint inspection service, executed by our State Certified Lead-Based Paint Inspector, offers a comprehensive solution to your concerns. Our testing procedure provides invaluable insights into air quality and potential contamination within the home, empowering our clients to make informed and educated decisions. Schedule online or contact us to learn more.
For more information on Lead, visit: CDHPE: Lead Safety
Note: This service is not applicable for homes built after 1978, and we do not provide Risk Assessments.
Alpine Building Performance offers Water Quality Testing which includes a Lead parameter. This service is not included as part of the lead-based paint inspection and must be ordered as a separate add-on.