Lead-based paints have long been stopped by the government since 1978. However, houses built prior to the said year may still or have used lead-based paints. Most houses that are still standing today are known to have peeling lead paints and beyond normal levels of lead. If you have doubts about whether your house contains lead or not, continue reading to know what to do.
Health Effects
Before moving on with the discussion, it is necessary to know why lead paints were eradicated. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially when introduced into the human body. It is a toxic metal that can cause damage to the nervous system, both young and adults. This toxic paint has been used by most households before because of its cheap price. However, problems regarding the application of these types of paints start when their outcome deteriorates. Broken surfaces and flakes can either be inhaled or ingested by people living in the property which could pose a threat.
Paint Inspection
Determining whether you have lead paint in your home can be a bit tricky. In fact, most houses built before 1978 have high chances of having lead paint used in them. If you do not have a record of the materials used for your home, it would be a better decision to test for its presence. You can choose whether to check it yourself or contact a lead paint testing service near you. Checking lead paint can be done using test kits. However, having professional services regarding lead paint testing can put your mind at rest because thorough scanning of your property can be done.
Removal of Lead Paint
Once you have detected that lead paint is present in your property, it is recommended to remove it as soon as possible. There are various ways to deal with lead paints such as encapsulation, enclosure, replacement, and removal. Encapsulation entails applying a specialized paint-like coating. This coating creates a bond with a lead-filled surface but this could wear off if there are frequent movements near the treated area. To enclose a lead paint area, the old surface is covered with a new wall, or window sills are covered with cladding. Should you need to remove the new surface, the lead surface will be exposed again which you will have to deal with eventually. Replacement is taking down the whole lead-treated area and replacing a new one depending on your needs. However, this option can be a problem if you plan on preserving the said space. Lead paint removal can be done either through wire brushing or wet hand scraping using paint-removing solutions. Stripping off the paint using a heat gun and hand scraping can also be done. You can remove the lead paint on your own but this is not recommended since exposure to such hazards can be miscalculated. Trained professionals for lead paint removal are knowledgeable on how to properly handle such situations.
Conclusion
Lead is a chemical that we should be wary of. Properties that are suspected to contain lead paint should consider getting rid of it because of the health hazards it poses. Determining the presence of such toxic metal can be done but having a lead paint testing expert will put your mind at ease because they can professionally assess the whole property. Should you have an idea for its presence, lead paint removal is necessary. You can opt to look for services that can assist you regarding lead paint removal near your area.
