Is There Lead Paint in Your Home? How to Test It Safely

If your home was built before 1990, there is a chance lead could be on your walls - disturbing it during a renovation could put you or your family's health at risk. This is an important factor to consider if you own a heritage home within Kitchener-Waterloo. Here's how to find out if it's there, and what to do about it.

What You Should Know About Lead Paint Before Renovating

Nearly all of the homes built before 1950 and up to 75% of homes that were built before 1978 contained lead-based paint. While latex paint existed at this time, lead paint was preferred for its color and long wear. Beyond 1990, houses should not contain lead paint as all paints on the market were virtually lead-free. Lead was originally added in paint to accelerate its drying time and increase its durability, but later on lead was revealed to cause danger to your health.

Why Lead Paint Is Dangerous for Your Family and Home

Lead is a cumulative neurotoxin. Removing, repairing or disturbing lead-based paint through normal wear and tear (think of the friction caused when doors and windows open/close) can expose you and your family to serious health risks. The greatest danger is when lead paint begins to peel or chip - even small amounts of lead can cause problems.

Children, especially younger children, are particularly at risk from lead poisoning as it can impact their mental and physical development. The biggest concern is children putting things into their mouth (such as paint chips or on surfaces which have lead dust). Lead poisoning symptoms oftentimes don't appear until dangerous levels of lead have accumulated. If you're concerned your old home may have lead present, it's important to get blood lead tests done for any young children you may have and begin testing for lead in the paint.

How to Test If Your Home Has Lead Paint

There are several ways to test for lead in paint.

1. Lab Testing

2. XRF Detectors

3. At-Home Lead Testing Kits

How to Minimize Lead Poisoning Risks During Paint Removal

If you discover lead-based paint in your home and need to remove it, safety is essential - especially if you're planning to handle it yourself. Here are some best practices to reduce health risks during the process:

• Keep children and pregnant individuals away from the workspace at all times to avoid unnecessary exposure.

• Hire a certified professional whenever possible. If you decide to handle it yourself, use a chemical paint stripper paste (not heat or sanding) and apply it carefully with a brush.

• Avoid using sanders, heat guns, or blowtorches. These tools can release harmful lead dust and toxic fumes into the air.

• Clear the work area of furniture. If anything can't be moved, cover it completely with durable plastic sheeting.

• Seal off the space. Use plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to cover doorways, vents, and other openings. This helps prevent contaminated dust and paint chips from spreading to other parts of your home.

• Ensure proper ventilation. Position a fan to blow air out through an open window, directing fumes away from you. Start working near the fan and move backward so you’re never breathing in what you're removing.

• Wear the right safety gear. That includes goggles, gloves, and a high-quality respirator mask. If you spill any chemical stripper on your skin or clothing, rinse immediately and wash affected clothes separately from other laundry.

• Work in short sessions. Limit your exposure by working for about 10 minutes at a time, then taking breaks in fresh air. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or develop a headache, stop immediately and leave the area.

• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in or near the workspace. Also keep away anything that could create a spark or static charge.

• Clean thoroughly after each session. Place all paint scrapings and chips in a sealed container labelled "Hazardous Waste" and dispose of them according to your local municipality’s guidelines. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and dispose of the cloth afterwards.

We highly recommend contacting a professional for lead paint removal, as it's a matter of safety and having the necessary safety equipment. If you're concerned you have lead paint in your home within the Kitcher-Waterloo area and would like to investigate, feel free to reach out to us by booking a quote here or contacting us directly at 519-500-8854 or info@enviropainting.ca