If you have questions about lead paint removal, you are not alone. There is a lot of misinformation on the topic of lead paint. To set the record straight, we have created this guide to lead paint testing and removal.
Lead Paint: The Basics
Lead paint was banned in 1978 due to it causing lead poisoning. However, because so many homes were built and painted prior to the late 70s, there is still a high risk of lead paint. Lead paint cannot be seen visually because it is often painted over. Lead paint is the number one cause of lead poisoning in America above water. Lead poisoning is significantly dangerous for children and infants, which is why it is highly recommended that lead paint is removed in homes with children.
What Happens in a Lead Paint Inspection
When you hire licensed and certified lead paint inspectors, they use special diagnostic equipment to detect lead paint in walls, door frames, windowsills, and other common areas. Because lead paint is not visually identified, this is the best way to determine lead levels in a home. After the testing is done, a full report is provided to the homeowner or whoever ordered the test. This report will be in compliance with local state laws. It is recommended that your tester does not also provide lead paint removal services. This creates a conflict of interest if your inspectors also provide lead paint removal. For the most accurate test results, it is most advantageous to work with testers that are unbiased.
Do You Need To Remove Lead Paint
Technically speaking, lead paint does not legally need to be removed. Lead paint is most dangerous when it is chipping and becomes enters the body. It is recommended that families with children have lead paint professionally removed because of the adverse effects that lead have specifically on children. However, with older families or single residents, it is possible to seal lead paint with a sealant. This process is less expensive compared to paint removal and causes less destruction of the property. However, it will need to be recorded that the property still contains lead paint which will affect that property's value long term.
Contact DCM Environmental Testing
If you live in Massachusetts and are worried about lead paint in your home, contact DCM Environmental testing. We provide certified and licensed lead testing for the state of Massachusetts that is unbiased. You can contact us through our online contact form or calling us at 1-617-481-5782
