How to Identify Lead Paint

Lead paint was commonly used in residential buildings in the early and mid 1900s. Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious medical issues to those exposed to it. Though the use of lead paint was banned in many cities in the U.S., it can still be found in older homes and buildings. To identify lead paint, look at the age, condition, and history of the paint. Then, get the paint tested to confirm it is lead-based. You can then deal with the lead paint so it is not a hazard in your living space.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Age, Condition, and History of the Paint

  1. Image titled Identify Lead Paint Step 1
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    Determine if the paint is from 1970 or earlier. Most homes built before 1970 often have lead-based paint on the walls, doorways, stairwells, and baseboards.[1] If your home is old and you know it was built in the early or mid 1900s, it may have lead-based paint.[2]
    • Often, historic buildings or homes that are old and have not been renovated contain lead-based paint.
  2. Image titled Identify Lead Paint Step 2
    2
    Talk to the owner of the home, or the previous owners. If you do not own the home and are a renter, talk to your landlord about the age of the home. Ask them if they know if there is lead-based paint in the home. If you own the home, contact the previous owners to find out if they know if there is lead-based paint in the house.
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    Check if the paint is deteriorating. Examine the paint in the home to determine if it is peeling, flaking off, or deteriorating in any way. If it is lead-based, this may be cause for alarm. Lead-based paint that is deteriorating can pose a health hazard, as it will release lead dust as it breaks down.[3]
    • Pay extra attention to paint that is on doorways or stairwells. These areas usually get more wear and tear, causing the paint to crack, flake, and peel.
    • If you notice the paint is deteriorating and suspect it may be lead-based, test the paint so you can address the issue immediately.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Getting the Paint Tested

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    Do a home test of the paint. You can buy a home testing kit for lead-based paint at your local hardware store or online. The kit will require you to test a sample of the paint for any lead. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.[4]
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    Get a professional test done on the paint. Contact your landlord if you are a renter so they can arrange a professional test on the paint in your home. You can also contact your local department of health or a lead testing service in your area. Professional, qualified individuals can then test the paint in your home for a small fee.[6]
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    Determine if the lead paint is hazardous. The professional test should tell you if there is lead paint in your home and if so, if it is hazardous to your health.[7] Lead paint that is in good condition, where it is not peeling, chipping, or flaking, is not considered a health hazard.[8]
    • If there is lead paint in your home that is in good condition, you should still keep an eye on it to make sure it does not become damaged or start to deteriorate.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Dealing with Lead Paint

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    Paint over it if it's not hazardous. Lead paint that is in good condition can be painted over to seal it and prevent any lead fumes from entering the home. You can use water-based paints over the lead paints or encapsulants, which seal the lead paint so it won't chip. Doing this will ensure the lead paint is not a hazard.[9]
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    Cover the lead paint with drywall. You can also cover the lead paint with a new surface, such as drywall. This will prevent the lead paint from getting damaged, exposing everyone in the home to lead.[10]
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    Remove and replace the lead paint. Removing lead paint can be difficult, as you do not want to sand, power wash, or scrape off the paint without safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator. Breathing in lead dust can be toxic. Consider hiring a professional to remove the lead paint and replace it with water based paint so you do not put yourself or others at risk.[11]
    • Lead paint on doorways, windowsills, and stairwells can be replaced by removing the actual materials and putting in new materials.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How can you tell if it's lead paint?
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law.
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Expert Answer
    The safest way to evaluate the status of your paint is to arrange for a full inspection of all painted surfaces or a risk assessment indicating how to mend the hazardous areas.
  • Question
    How can you tell if old paint contains lead?
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law.
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Expert Answer
    Lead-based paint was commonly used before the 1980s, and its presence in households poses a significant health threat when it is in a broken, cracked state. The most accessible way to determine if the paint on your walls contains lead is to hire a certified lead-based plant inspector to conduct an assessment of the building.
  • Question
    I have been sleeping in a lead-exposed room for 3 years, am I okay?
    C Grace
    C Grace
    Community Answer
    The only way to be sure is to take a blood test, and discuss any symptoms with your doctor.
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References

  1. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
  2. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/leadq.htm
  3. ↑ https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/403fs01.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-determine-if-your-house-has-lead-paint/
  5. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
  6. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/leadq.htm
  7. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
  8. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/leadq.htm
  9. ↑ https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/403fs01.pdf
  1. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/leadq.htm
  2. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/exposure/childhood/leadq.htm

About This Article

Gregory Cade, JD
Co-authored by:
Gregory Cade, JD
Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
This article was co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD. Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law. This article has been viewed 219,914 times.
104 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: October 25, 2021
Views: 219,914
Categories: Paints
Article SummaryX

To identify lead paint, talk to your landlord or the previous owner to find out if your home was built before 1970 when lead paint was still commonly used. You can easily make sure by purchasing a home testing kit from your local hardware store or online and testing a sample of the paint. Alternatively, contact your local department of health or a lead testing service to have your paint professionally tested. For any lead paint that’s peeling or flaking, you’ll need to get rid of it or hire a professional to do it for you, since breathing in the particles can be toxic. If you decide to remove the paint yourself, make sure you wear safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator to protect yourself. For more tips, including how to cover lead paint with drywall, read on!

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