If you’re like so many other people in the country, this past year has forced you to spend more time at home than ever before. With that said, you’re probably started to notice things around the house that may not have stood out before, or even bothered you, but they now seem like a really big deal. Because of that, maybe you’ve made the decision that 2021 will be the year of home renovations and modernizing the space in general to create a more pleasing and stylish look.
Before you dive in, there is one important thing to be aware of, and that’s whether or not your house has lead paint. Older homes often end up having lead paint, since it was so widely used up until the mid-1960s, and removal needs to be done in a safe and proper way. Let’s take a closer look.
How Do You Know if You Have Lead Paint?
The question to start with is whether or not your home has lead paint. It wasn’t until 1978 that the sale of lead paint was forbidden by the federal government, but don’t just assume that anything built after that point is safe. Unfortunately, the use of lead paint continued for quite a few years. So, age alone isn’t enough of a determining factor.
Besides age, you can take a look at the paint itself and examine how it is deteriorating over time. Lead paint is famous for creating a pattern as it ages; this pattern almost looks like scales on a reptile.
The only true way you can test for lead paint, however, is to test it with a paint testing kit. You can purchase one yourself and just follow the instructions. Keep in mind that this will only test the paint that is showing. This means that if the lead paint has been painted over with other types of paint – the test kit won’t pick it up. Instead, a lead inspector can come in and use special equipment to test and look for any signs of lead paint.
Why Is Lead Paint So Dangerous?
So, let’s say you detect lead paint in the home – what are the dangers? Lead paint becomes dangerous once it starts to deteriorate in the form of peeling, chipping, and flaking. Lead poisoning can cause very serious health issues such as learning disabilities, behavioral issues, seizures, and it can affect your vital organs and the brain.
What Does the Removal Process Involve?
The removal process is very simple to explain, as it’s one that should be done by a professional using the proper equipment, safety gear, and the correct steps. It is the dust from the lead paint that is toxic, so not only does the paint need to be removed safely, but all that dust in the air also needs to be removed – it cannot be breathed in.
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You want to be sure that anyone you use is EPA Certified, and that they have gone through lead removal classes. You can read more about how people become EPA certified by visiting zotapro.com, which features in-depth training courses.
At the end of the day, lead paint isn’t something you want to take chances with, and it should be dealt with by a professional.