Paint doesn’t last forever, and any home built before 1978 will almost certainly have lead-based paint. Even if your home has been painted recently, there is a good chance that underneath a few layers of newer paint is a layer of dangerous lead paint. A lead-based paint inspection can identify chips and dust that are a danger to you and your children.
For centuries, lead was used in paint to improve its coverage and durability. White lead paint was especially popular for houses and toys because it could be washed without losing its texture. But behind the sheen of fresh paint, a danger lurked.
When lead gets into the bloodstream, it limits the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. Lead poisoning in children, whether acute or chronic, can lead to nervous system damage, speech and language problems, seizures, behavioral problems, and even death in some cases.
Prevention is, of course, the best medicine, and the first step is an inspection from a certified lead inspector.