Importance of Lead Paint Testing

Approximately 75 percent of homes in Seattle built prior to 1978 contain at least some lead paint. The likelihood that lead paint was used in a home increases with the structure’s age. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that at least 19 million homes present lead-based paint hazards, and 4 million of these homes house children under the age of 6. Lead in the home can cause serious long-term health problems, particularly for children, making it imperative for those living in pre-1978 homes to get lead testing. This pertains to both homes in Seattle and Bellevue areas. It is not the location of the home but the age of the home. Lead exposure is dangerous to children even before they are born. Lead is a neurotoxin affecting development and function of the central nervous system, red blood cells and kidneys. Even low levels can be harmful. Lead exposure may lead to decreased intelligence, speech problems, attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities. Poor muscle coordination, impaired bone and muscle growth and hearing damage are other potential effects of lead exposure. Contact with high levels of lead is more serious, with the potential for unconsciousness, seizures and even death. Children can ingest lead-based paint in a number of ways. Deteriorating paint often flakes off in loose chips and dust. When children swallow these materials, they can develop lead poisoning. Lead dust easily collects on baby bottles, toys and children’s hands. Sources of lead may include any areas with peeling and chipped paint such as window sills, doors and walls, as well as soil around the house and lead water pipes or lead solder. Adults who are exposed to lead may experience high blood pressure, fertility problems, nerve disorders, digestive problems, difficulty concentrating and joint and muscle pain. Those involved in remodeling older homes risk lead exposure as older layers of paint are disturbed during the renovation process. Lead dust can be picked up on skin, hair and clothing and transferred to other family members. There are several ways to test for lead in the home. You may take samples and send them to a lab, or you may obtain a do-it-yourself kit. Another method involves hiring our professionals who are trained in the use of specialized equipment. Besides making a visual inspection of lead-based paint location and condition, an inspector will use X-ray fluorescence, or XRF. An XRF is a portable X-ray device capable of seeing through surfaces to detect any lead underneath. Our inspectors may also collect dust, paint and soil samples for lab submission. Testing is especially important in situations where paint is deteriorating or when pregnant women, babies and children live in a pre-1978 home. Once testing has been completed, action can be taken to protect the health of the home’s occupants. Contaminated items will be replaced and the problematic paint covered with gypsum wallboard or sealant. Professionals can even remove the lead paint completely. It is especially important to keep the home’s occupants out of the area until the job is completed. The time and effort involved in removing lead hazards from the home are well worth it when you consider the cost of lead contamination to the health and well-being of the people who come into contact with it. Call our office today to schedule a lead inspection. Our inspectors are State Certified and use only the Niton XRF lead analyzers. Call 425.608.9553. Service area include Bellevue, Seattle, Bothell, Redmond, Kent, Woodinville and Kirkland areas.