What Homeowners Should Know About Lead-Based Paint and Safety

For many homeowners in Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs, understanding the risks associated with lead-based paint is crucial—especially for those living in older homes. Lead-based paint was commonly used in residential properties before it was banned in 1978 due to its hazardous health effects. If your home was built before this time, there’s a chance it could contain lead paint, posing risks to your family’s health and safety.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we specialize in thorough home inspections, including identifying potential lead hazards. This guide will provide homeowners with essential information about lead-based paint, its dangers, testing methods, safety precautions, and best practices for remediation.

What is Lead-Based Paint?

Lead-based paint contains lead, a toxic metal that was once a common additive in residential paint for durability and pigmentation. While homes built after 1978 are unlikely to contain lead paint, older properties throughout Atlanta and the metro area may still have remnants of it on walls, trim, and exterior surfaces.

Why Was Lead Paint Banned?

In 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead-based paint in residential homes due to its severe health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. Despite this ban, many older homes still contain layers of lead-based paint beneath newer coatings, making awareness and proper handling critical.

Health Risks of Lead-Based Paint Exposure

Exposure to lead-based paint can lead to serious health problems, particularly in children, who are more susceptible to lead poisoning. Common health risks include:

1. Neurological and Developmental Issues

Children exposed to lead may experience cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
High lead exposure can lower IQ levels and affect brain development.

2. Physical Health Problems

Lead poisoning can cause fatigue, headaches, and stomach pain.
Long-term exposure may lead to kidney damage and high blood pressure.

3. Risks to Pregnant Women

Lead exposure during pregnancy can cause premature birth, developmental issues, and miscarriage.
Lead can pass from mother to baby through the placenta, leading to birth defects.

4. Risks for Adults

While children face the highest risk, adults can suffer from lead poisoning too, leading to mood disorders, reproductive issues, and cardiovascular problems.

How to Identify Lead-Based Paint in Your Home

If your home was built before 1978, testing for lead-based paint is essential. Here are methods to determine if your home has lead-based paint:

1. Professional Lead Inspection

A certified home inspector can use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to detect lead in paint layers.
Hiring a professional ensures accurate results and compliance with EPA guidelines.

2. At-Home Lead Test Kits

DIY lead test kits are available at hardware stores and can provide a preliminary assessment.
These kits involve rubbing a test swab on painted surfaces and checking for a color change indicating lead.

3. Laboratory Testing

Homeowners can collect paint chips and send them to a certified lab for analysis.
This method provides precise results but requires proper handling.

Lead Paint Safety Precautions

If your home contains lead-based paint, following safety guidelines is critical to minimizing exposure risks.

1. Don’t Disturb Intact Lead Paint

If the lead paint is in good condition (not chipping, peeling, or cracking), it’s best to leave it undisturbed and properly maintained.

2. Keep Surfaces Clean and Dust-Free

Lead dust is a major source of exposure, so regularly cleaning floors, windowsills, and walls with a damp cloth can reduce risks.
Use HEPA-filter vacuums to capture fine lead particles.

3. Control Lead Dust During Renovations

If remodeling an older home, hire EPA-certified lead-safe contractors.
Use plastic sheeting to contain dust, wear protective gear, and avoid dry sanding or scraping lead-painted surfaces.

4. Address Chipped or Peeling Paint Immediately

If lead paint is deteriorating, encapsulation (sealing it with a special coating) or professional removal may be necessary.

5. Test Soil Around Your Home

Lead from exterior paint can contaminate soil, especially near the foundation.
If soil tests positive for lead, consider covering affected areas with mulch, grass, or landscaping fabric.

Safe Lead Paint Removal Options

If lead paint poses a hazard, remediation may be necessary. Homeowners have several options for safe removal:

1. Encapsulation

Involves applying a special sealant over lead-painted surfaces to prevent deterioration and dust.
The least expensive and least invasive method.

2. Enclosure

Involves covering lead-painted surfaces with drywall, paneling, or another barrier.
Effective but requires professional installation.

3. Paint Removal

Removing lead paint completely is risky and should only be performed by lead-certified professionals.
Methods include wet scraping, chemical stripping, and heat stripping (avoiding high temperatures that can vaporize lead).

4. Full Replacement

If windows, doors, or trim contain lead-based paint, full replacement may be the safest long-term solution.

Legal Requirements for Lead Disclosure in Real Estate Transactions

If you are buying, selling, or renting a home built before 1978, federal law requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards.

Seller Responsibilities

Sellers must provide buyers with an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet.
Sellers must disclose known lead paint hazards in the home.
Buyers have the right to conduct a lead inspection before purchase.

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords must disclose known lead hazards in rental properties.
Tenants must receive a copy of the lead hazard information pamphlet.

Why a Lead Paint Inspection is Essential for Atlanta Homeowners

If you own or are considering purchasing an older home in Atlanta, a professional lead-based paint inspection is essential for ensuring safety and compliance. An inspection will:

Identify lead hazards before renovations or repairs.
Protect your family from long-term health risks.
Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

Schedule a Lead Paint Inspection with Reynolds Home and Property Solutions

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we provide expert home inspections, including lead-based paint assessments, for homeowners throughout Marietta, Atlanta, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re buying an older home or concerned about existing lead hazards, our experienced inspectors can help you understand the risks and take the right precautions.

Book Your Lead Paint Inspection Today!

Don’t take risks with lead exposure in your home. Schedule a professional lead paint inspection with Reynolds Home and Property Solutions today!

Visit Reynolds Home and Property Solutions to book your appointment.