Lead-based paint is a toxic substance still found in many homes. It was commonly used in households until 1978, when the U.S. government banned its use by consumers. However, home inspectors find remnants of lead paint every day. If you know or suspect you have lead-based paint in your home, below are some tips to prevent exposure and illness.

Do:

Wash your hands regularly.

The lead in lead-based paint is particularly dangerous if ingested, and paint dust may contaminate your home and the surrounding environment. To counter this, wash your hands regularly to remove potential contaminants, particularly before eating or preparing meals. This will limit exposure and prevent lead-based illnesses like anemia.

Schedule an inspection.

Schedule a lead paint risk assessment with a home inspector when buying or selling a house as well as when demolishing or renovating part of a building constructed before 1978. This is especially important if you live in an older home and notice flaking or peeling paint. Inspections are doubly essential if you have children in the household.

Don't:

Simply paint over lead paint.

You shouldn’t just paint over lead-based paint. This will not solve the problem and may not even temporarily cover it if the lead paint is peeling or damaged. Instead, have a professional remove and dispose of it properly. However, if the lead paint is in good condition, you can safely cover it up by using a special paint called an "encapsulant" that creates a barrier against the paint dust and fumes. DIY application of the encapsulant is not recommended. For best results, ask your home inspector to suggest a lead-based paint removal specialist for assistance.

Let kids play in bare soil.

As previously mentioned, lead dust can contaminate the surrounding environment of your home. As such, don’t let your kids play in any soil within a few feet of the house. To discourage them, plant shrubs, like evergreens and thorn bushes, in these areas.

To see if you need lead-based paint removal, contact the experienced home inspectors at Rainbow Environmental Services in Fairfax, OH. They've been serving Greater Cincinnati with lead removal services since 1990 and also specialize in mold testing and asbestos abatement. Visit their website to connect with them online or call (513) 624-6470 to schedule a consultation.