How to Identify Lead Paint in Older Homes and What to Do About It: Why Lead Paint Still Matters in Atlanta Homes

Lead-based paint was widely used in homes throughout the United States until it was banned for residential use in 1978. In cities with historic neighborhoods like Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur, Roswell, and Smyrna, many homes built before this cutoff may still contain lead-based paint, posing serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. This comprehensive guide from Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia will help homeowners in the Atlanta metro area understand how to identify lead paint in older homes and take appropriate steps to manage or remediate it.

Section 1: Understanding the Dangers of Lead Paint

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a variety of health problems. Even small amounts can lead to serious issues, particularly in children under six years old. Common health effects of lead exposure include:

• Developmental delays

• Learning difficulties

• Irritability and behavioral problems

• Weight loss and fatigue

• Abdominal pain and vomiting

For adults, especially pregnant women, lead exposure can result in high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, memory problems, and complications during pregnancy.

Because of these serious health risks, identifying and safely managing lead paint in older homes is essential.

Section 2: How Common Is Lead Paint in Atlanta Homes?

Many neighborhoods in Atlanta and its suburbs feature homes built prior to 1978, making the potential presence of lead-based paint a real concern. Areas like:

• Inman Park and Virginia-Highland in central Atlanta

• Historic Marietta Square and surrounding streets

• Downtown Decatur and older sections of Roswell

are known for their charming older homes—but these properties are also prime candidates for lead inspections.

The likelihood of finding lead paint increases with the age of the home:

• Homes built before 1940: 87% contain lead-based paint

• Homes built 1940–1959: 69%

• Homes built 1960–1977: 24%

Section 3: How to Identify Lead Paint in Your Home

There are three main ways to determine if your home has lead paint:

1. Visual Clues Lead paint often deteriorates in specific ways:

• Alligatoring or wrinkled patterns

• Chalking residue that rubs off on hands

• Peeling, flaking, or cracking in thick layers

2. DIY Lead Test Kits Home improvement stores sell lead test kits approved by the EPA. These kits use chemicals to detect lead in paint and can give results within minutes. While convenient, they can sometimes yield false positives or false negatives.

3. Professional Inspection and Risk Assessment Hiring a certified lead inspector is the most accurate method. At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia, we provide comprehensive lead paint assessments that comply with EPA standards.

A professional risk assessment will:

• Identify lead-based paint on surfaces

• Evaluate the condition and hazard level

• Provide detailed recommendations

Section 4: What to Do If Your Home Contains Lead Paint

Option 1: Encapsulation Encapsulation is one of the safest and least invasive ways to deal with lead paint. A special coating is applied over the paint to seal it and prevent exposure. It is ideal for surfaces in good condition.

Option 2: Enclosure This involves covering the lead-painted surface with another material, such as drywall or paneling. While it prevents exposure, the original paint remains underneath.

Option 3: Removal Removing lead paint should only be done by licensed professionals due to the health risks. The process can involve:

• Wet scraping with minimal dust creation

• Chemical stripping

• HEPA vacuuming and air filtration

Option 4: Replacement In cases of extensive contamination, replacing windows, trim, or doors may be the most practical and safe solution.

Section 5: Legal Requirements and Responsibilities

Under federal law (the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, or RRP), any contractor working on pre-1978 homes must be trained and certified in lead-safe practices. In Georgia, this includes all renovations, repairs, and painting projects.

If you’re selling your home, disclosure of known lead hazards is required by law.

Landlords must also:

• Provide tenants with the EPA’s “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” pamphlet

• Disclose known lead-based paint and hazards before lease signing

Failure to comply can result in fines and legal liability.

Section 6: Lead Paint Safety Tips for Atlanta Homeowners

• Never dry sand or scrape suspected lead-painted surfaces

• Keep painted surfaces in good condition

• Clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces regularly with a HEPA vacuum or wet mop

• Wash children’s hands, bottles, and toys frequently

• Test soil around the home, especially near the foundation

If you’re planning a renovation, always work with a certified professional like Reynolds Home and Property Solutions to assess and manage lead risks properly.

Section 7: How Reynolds Home and Property Solutions Can Help

We specialize in identifying and managing environmental hazards in homes throughout metro Atlanta. Our lead paint inspection services include:

• EPA-certified risk assessments

• Detailed reports with photos and findings

• Encapsulation and remediation consultations

• Pre-renovation and pre-sale inspections

We proudly serve:

• Marietta

• Atlanta

• Sandy Springs

• Kennesaw

• Roswell

• Woodstock

Conclusion: Take Control of Lead Paint Risks in Your Home

Lead paint is a serious concern in many older homes across Atlanta and its suburbs. By learning how to identify and address it, you can protect your family’s health and preserve your property’s value.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—be proactive.

Contact Reynolds Home and Property Solutions of Georgia today for a certified lead inspection and personalized remediation plan. Visit www.reynoldshomeandpropertysolutions.com to schedule your appointment.