Lead-Based Paint Testing

The Danger of Lead Based Paint

We now know that lead-based paint poses a significant health hazard. Attempts have been made by officials to raise public awareness regarding the risks of lead poisoning, cease manufacturing and personal use of lead-containing items, and eradicate this harmful element from homes and neighborhood dwellings.

However, it’s vital to recognize that it’s practically infeasible to entirely eradicate the threat of lead from all communities across the United States. This is largely due to the fact that, in the past, lead-based paint was predominantly used in residential properties. There was a period when almost every American home was coated with this harmful paint.

Certified IAQ has state-certified lead-based paint technicians ready to come to test your property today. Call or request a free consultation now. 303-995-7015.

What is Lead?

Lead is a metal element that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. It is toxic to humans and animals and can cause serious health effects.

Lead, despite its known toxicity, possesses properties such as excellent malleability, ductility, and corrosion resistance that made it highly desirable in many industries. It found widespread use in products ranging from pipes, paint, and solder to even cosmetics before its detrimental health impacts came to light.

Lead-based paint, favored for its increased durability, faster drying time, lustrous appearance, and resistance to moisture-induced corrosion, was particularly popular. However, as this paint deteriorates and becomes airborne, it exposes people to serious health hazards associated with lead.

Documented adverse health effects of lead include damage to the nervous system, brain, kidneys, and reproductive system, along with impaired growth and development. The most vulnerable groups to these effects are children and pregnant women.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) maintains that children absorb more lead than adults due to their developing bodies. Also, children tend to put things in their mouth that could potentially be contaminated with lead. The sweet taste of lead-based paint can make children ingest paint chips, which are harmful.

With the increasing realization of lead’s harmful impacts, regulatory measures were inevitable.

Governmental Ban on Lead-Based Paint

Lead is a metal element that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. It is toxic to humans and animals and can cause serious health effects.

Lead, despite its known toxicity, possesses properties such as excellent malleability, ductility, and corrosion resistance that made it highly desirable in many industries. It found widespread use in products ranging from pipes, paint, and solder to even cosmetics before its detrimental health impacts came to light.

Lead-based paint, favored for its increased durability, faster drying time, lustrous appearance, and resistance to moisture-induced corrosion, was particularly popular. However, as this paint deteriorates and becomes airborne, it exposes people to serious health hazards associated with lead.

Documented adverse health effects of lead include damage to the nervous system, brain, kidneys, and reproductive system, along with impaired growth and development. The most vulnerable groups to these effects are children and pregnant women.

In 1978, the consumer use of lead-based paint was banned by the government. As a result, homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint than those constructed later.

Despite renovations and repainting of older homes with lead-free paint, the presence of lead-based paint is still possible as the new layers may simply cover the old lead paint.

In 1992, years after the lead ban, the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act was passed. This act mandates the disclosure of any known information about lead-based paint hazards before selling or leasing most housing built before 1978.

Under this law, landlords or sellers have to follow certain guidelines:

• Distribute an EPA-approved pamphlet on lead-based paint.
• Reveal any known lead-based paint hazards.
• Make available any records or reports about lead-based paint hazards.
• Include a signed and dated statement in the lease or contract ensuring compliance with all lead-related requirements.
• Allow buyers a 10-day window to carry out a lead test, if they wish.

The 1992 Act brought much-needed transparency about the potential dangers of lead. It also gave renters and/or buyers added reassurance during housing transactions.

As for rental licenses, a requirement in many US counties, safety standards for lead-based paint have been further enhanced. Let’s delve into Denver’s latest rental licensing program and its strategy to address lead hazards.