Lead Paint Testing
Why Get a Lead Paint Inspection?
Lead use for interior paint was banned by the federal government in 1978. However, it is estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency that 22 million homes in the USA are severely lead paint contaminated, with an additional 25 million homes containing some lead paint. This is out of a housing stock of approximately 110 million homes. In the past lead paint has been used at levels of from 20 to 50% by weight and served to make the paint wear better mechanically. It has been used on the interior and exterior of homes, furniture, old toys, and many other surfaces. Research suggests that one of the primary sources of lead exposure for most children is deteriorating lead-based paint (source EPA)
What are the Side Affects of Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning does not have one universal side effect that would allow a doctor to evaluate the individual based on the effects. Lead poisoning has many side effects and this is why testing is so important. Here are some of the side effects that relate to lead poisoning:
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About Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning is a difficult disease to diagnose. There are currently two million children in the US that are lead poisoned, most (about 75%) are poisoned by lead paint. Lead paint is consumed either through pica (eating), or through dust. Children can be born with high levels of lead from their mother. Lead poisoning can lead to reduced IQ, fatigue, irritability, growth disturbance or in severe cases mental retardation or death. Screening is by blood test normally done for children under 3 years old. Therapy is by a series of chelation injections.
How We Do The Lead Paint Testing?
These test need to have a sample of the paint cut out approximately 2” by 2” and sent away to an accredited lab where the sample will be burnt this is called FLAME AA. This will give an accurate level of the amount of lead in the paint sample this normally takes about 1 / 2 days for the results. If you are a home buyer needing this type of testing before buying the home we would need written permission from the home owner before any samples are cut out.
For more information go to http://www.epa.gov/lead
