If you have an older home, have paint in your home tested for lead. If you have lead-based paint, cover it with wall paper or other material instead of sanding it or burning it off.
Lead paint is a huge health hazard. Two-thirds of the homes built before 1940 and one-half of the homes built from 1940 to 1960 contain heavily-leaded paint which may cause you problems especially if you don’t know it. Homes even built after 1960 also contain heavily-leaded paint, though that number goes down to one-third. It could be on interior or exterior surfaces, particularly on woodwork, doors, and windows. It is suggested that you consider having the paint in homes constructed before the 1980s tested for lead before renovating, especially if the paint or underlying surface is deteriorating. Make sure to be very cautious especially if infants, children, or pregnant women are present.
There are also other ways to help prevent lead poisoning.
- have the paint removed and/or replaced
- paint over the existing paint using a sealant
