Frequently Asked Questions
We've Got Your Lead Paint Questions Covered
Why Should I Test for Lead?
As a property owner, you have a responsibility for your family, your tenants, or guests. Having lead in the building can result in serious health risks that can have legal or financial penalties. It is in your best interest to test for lead and remove the risk and liability.
Where Should You Test for Lead?
The most important areas to test for lead are those areas where children spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms, playrooms, kitchens, and play-yards. It is especially important to test these areas if there is bare soil or if paint is peeling or chipping. You should also test places where you plan to repaint or remodel. Test several different spots. If you are testing paint, test each different paint color. If you are testing soil, test different bare soil areas.
What To Do If I Think My Property Has Lead?
You can have your property tested for lead and you can have your family tested for lead exposure. A simple blood test can provide results to determine whether lead was ingested by the mouth or lungs and has affected the body. It is best to test.
Who is at Risk from Lead Paint?
How Does Lead Paint Affect Children?
How Can Lead Paint Affect Pregnant Women?
How Can Lead Be Ingested?
- Lead dust particles are often so small that you cannot see them, yet you can breathe or swallow them. These smaller, inhaled or swallowed dust particles are more easily absorbed by the body than larger particles, and can therefore more easily cause poisoning
- Lead dust may be breathed or swallowed by children.
- Through normal hand-to-mouth activities, children may swallow or inhale dust on their hands, toys, food or other objects
- Children may also ingest paint chips