What To Do If Your Home Contains Lead Construction

If you own a home built before 1978, there is a strong chance it contains lead. Lead construction is concerning since lead exposure can have serious health consequences, such as an increased risk of neurological problems and even death. Don’t panic!

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the risks associated with lead in your home. With proper knowledge and tools, you can reduce your exposure and keep your family safe. In this article, we’ll discuss what to do if your home was built with lead so that you can make informed decisions.

Why You Should Be Concerned About Lead Paint in Your Home

Lead paint can pose hazards. Exposure causes permanent health damage to adults and children living in the home. In addition to potential physical harm, lead paint leads to expensive repairs and replacement costs if left unaddressed. Don’t give up on your dream of owning your own retro home. Here’s how you can protect yourself from lead contamination in your home.

Tips For Managing Lead in Your Home 

Lead paint being used in construction was popular due to its durability and low maintenance costs. However, managing a lead-dominate home is like opening Pandora’s box. Start protecting your home with these tips:

● Keep all painted surfaces pristine by inspecting them regularly and wiping them down with a damp cloth or paper towel.

● Before starting a restoration, repair, or painting job, check with a qualified lead professional. When painted surfaces are damaged or torn down during renovations, repairs, or painting, hazardous dust accumulates airborne. Contact certified lead-safe contractors.

● Lead dust notoriously spreads indoors. Take precautions, such as using dust mats inside and outside your doors and windows. Wash and remove shoes before entering the home.

Know More about Your Home

● Find out if your service line (the pipe connecting your home to the water main) is lead. To know your materials are safe, you can check with your local water provider or hire a professional plumber. 

● Look around your home’s exterior, particularly the porches and fences, for any peeling or decaying paint that could release lead dust and pollute the soil in your yard. The lead soil could also find its way inside the house. Now dirty floors are dangerous.

Take Cleaning to the Mat

● To prevent bringing dust into your home on your shoes, use doormats both inside and out. Invest in a heavy-duty air filtration system for your home if you intend to live there long term. 

● Keep kids from digging in the dirt around your house by planting shrubs near the base of your home. 

●Consider crawlspace encapsulation to prevent leaks from creating a toxic environment below the home.

● You may need extensive renovations or get out. Sometimes the best way to ensure a safe living environment is by renovating your home with a lead-certified contractor. 

More Precautions

Visit the official CDC or EPA websites if you believe you purchased a lead home. If you recently bought a house constructed with lead, you may be eligible for legal compensation from the construction company. 

Atlantic Foundation is not certified to solicit legal, medical, or environmental advice. You take the advice in this article at your own risk. Lead can increase the risk of various illnesses, including cancer. 

Sources:  The Facts on Lead – Roadmap on Carcinogens

Lead Poisoning | Morgan & Morgan Law Firm (forthepeople.com)

Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home (English) | US EPA