Did you know that reportedly 400,000 people in the United States die every year due to lead poisoning?
Alarming, isn’t it?
What makes it even worse is that lead exposure can affect people of all ages, and children are the most vulnerable to it. Their still developing bodies make it easy to cause health problems, and at the same time making it hard for them to fight these illnesses on their own. That is why childhood lead poisoning is prevalent.
It is present in so many places, but the biggest known culprit of exposure to it is lead-based paint. Now, the question that a lot of people ask themselves is “is there lead in the drywall of an old house?”.
Chances are that there is lead in the drywall of your home if it was built before 1978, and in this article we’ll teach you how to test for it, and what you should be doing, as well as the signs to look for on your walls.
In the past, high levels of it were mixed in because of its benefits. But when people started getting sick and even died because of the exposure to the heavy metal, they pushed to eliminate its use.
Unfortunately, many old homes in the US are likely to still have the dangerous substance in them. As a result, anyone that lives in such a home is in danger of experiencing the many hazards associated with it.
Its presence should always be taken seriously. If you are not aware of the health risks, keep reading because you will understand why exposure is so dangerous that it resulted in a ban.
You will also learn how to check for lead in the paint used in an old home, as well as what you need to do if it is present.
When Did They Stop Using It?
Tracing back its history, we can see that this element was widely used for centuries. In fact, ancient Egyptians were discovered to have used a lot of lead, from their signature eye makeup to paints. The US is no exception, owing to the fact that a large percentage of homes for decades made use of this dangerous substance.
So, when did they stop using it?
In the US, it was only in 1978 when lead-based paint was completely banned for residential use, despite knowing about the possible health risks long before then. Sadly, health advocates and legislators had to fight the industry bigwigs for decades until a complete ban could be put in place.
But when it comes to industrial use, it is still pretty much in use. Its anti-corrosive property is a much-needed aspect for bridges and other steel structures where durability is vital. Current legislations in the US only allow its use on such structures, as well as for shipbuilding and its repair, farming equipment, and for signs on the road itself.
The worldwide use is a different story. Many developing countries still sell it because it ends up cheaper than alternative options, as a gallon of it has more coverage than a gallon without. Most of these countries are also unaware yet of the health hazards associated with exposure.
Only a few countries worldwide have completely regulated the use for both residential and industrial purposes. That is why many homes built after 1978, even in the US, may have lead-based paint present, though the number of such homes are steadily declining.
Can I Test It Myself?
With all the hazards associated with it and how costly it is to get an old house professionally tested for its presence, a common question that homeowners ask themselves is, “can I test for lead paint myself?”
While most would advocate for getting it done professionally, you can still do the drywall lead paint testing yourself with products available from 3M that are widely available on the market. These kits consist of chemicals or swabs that change color when they come into contact with lead. While it can be done by anyone who can follow instructions, those who are color blind may have difficulty interpreting the results.
These DIY kits cost a fraction of the price of a professional testing, making them a practical option for homeowners who need immediate results and are on a tight budget. Certain kits can also indicate the amount or level of lead present in the tested area.
There are two common kinds of DIY kits available: sulfide-based kits that are best for light colors only and rhodizonate-based kits for all colors, save for pink and red because these colors can give false positives. Also, only a few kits are EPA-certified, so make sure to get such kits for accurate results.
It is also vital that you check their expiration dates before testing, and strictly follow the instructions given. Using expired testing kits or skipping important steps when testing will compromise the results.
But before you start testing for lead, make sure to keep you and your household safe by:
- Keeping everyone, especially children and pregnant women, away from your home, if you suspect that lead dust is present
- Making sure you are well covered up by wearing rubber gloves, face mask with a HEPA filter, lab goggles, and other protective gear
- Testing in an inconspicuous area, such as inside a closet or cabinet, corners, or any location that is left undisturbed
Testing often involves scraping off about a quarter inch of the paint, especially if there are multiple layers present, if there are no signs of flaking that can be used for the test. Make sure to sanitize the area first before doing the actual testing.
Consider buying several tests if you plan to check multiple sections of your home, or even your furniture and children’s toys that are also known to possibly use lead paint, as each kit normally contains enough materials for a maximum of six tests. One kit may not be enough to cover all the structures or objects you want to test. Make sure that the kit you buy in fact is meant for the surface you’re testing, as some products will only cover certain types of material.
If lead is detected, you need to follow the following steps outlined by the EPA:
- Get your home checked by an assessor who is certified by the agency
- Check the report created based on the professional assessment
- Determine if you can retain the paint or abatement is needed, based on the report
It is possible to retain the paint with lead in your home, but the downside to this is that regular inspection and maintenance is a must, and that any home renovation you plan to undertake must only be done by contractors who are lead-safe certified.
But if abatement, whether through complete removal or by getting the lead-based stuff sealed or enclosed, is recommended by the assessor, it must only be done by certified abatement contractors.
You and your household should also undergo a blood test to detect if you have already been exposed to lead and the level present in the bloodstream, and if any medical intervention is needed if it is detected.
