When it comes to your home improvement strategy, it’s likely the quality of your paint is low on your list of priorities. While you might not think about it often, it’s worth reminding yourself that residential painting once involved lead, a dangerous chemical that remains in some houses even today. Understanding what lead is and how it comes into play in your home improvement plan will play a huge role in the overall safety of your home and the well-being of your family. Blue Star Paint & Property Services in Annapolis, MD, explains the importance of lead paint safety. 

Does the Paint in My Home Contain Lead?

Lead paint was a popular choice in houses all the way up until the 1970s. If you live in an older home, it’s more than likely that you have at least some lead present in the house that might be hidden under layers of new paint. While you could assume the newer coats will act as a layer of protection, the reality is your family might still be at risk of lead’s harmful effects. There is no way to tell if the paint on your walls contains lead just by looking at it. The best and most accurate way to tell if there’s a problem is to call your painting contractor and have them perform a test. 

Why Is Lead Safety Important?

Lead paint is known to chip and eventually turn into dust, which can be easily inhaled by those living in your home. Once inhaled, lead causes severe health risks like digestive and reproductive problems. If you have children at home, the risk is even greater as it can lead to brain damage and slow behavioral growth. 

How Can You Remove Lead Paint?

Removing lead paint from the walls yourself will put you directly in the way of its fumes and particles, which can immediately start to cause bodily harm. The best way to combat lead paint in your home is to have it tested by a professional. If the results come back positive, you’ll want to hire a team to remove the paint safely. Once the team has removed the paint, the home can be repainted with a more modern formula. 

If you’re concerned about the paint quality of your home, contact the home improvement experts at Blue Star Paint & Property Services.  They are certified with both the Maryland Department of the Environment and the EPA. Whether you’re looking to add new paint, build a deck, or power-wash the siding on your home, these trained and highly experienced professionals can get the job done right. To schedule service, visit them online or give them a call at (443) 949-9156.