Deterioration of lead paint releases lead dust into the air that can land on surfaces in your home. Lead paint causes poisoning when its particles are inhaled or consumed, which is why it’s essential to have professional lead based paint removal if a home inspector finds lead paint in your residence. Here are a few common myths about lead paint you should know.

What Myths About Lead Paint Might You Believe?

1. Lead Paint Is No Longer Produced

While lead was banned in residential paints in the US, it’s still approved for use in industrial applications, like road paint and traffic signs. This may seem like it poses no risk to you or your family, but it’s also used in applications like farm equipment, cars, and construction equipment. You and your family could be exposed to it from deteriorating paint on your car or if someone in the household works in construction or on farm equipment.

2. Painting Over It Makes It Safe

Applying standard household paint over lead paint does not negate the threat it poses. Standard paint is thin, and if it’s scratched, weathered, or peels, it will release the lead dust underneath it. There are products called encapsulants, which are specially designed to form a resilient barrier over lead paint to keep it from posing a threat when lead based paint removal is too risky, but standard paint does not work this way.

3. Lead Paint Isn’t That Serious

Lead paint directly harms the health of adults, children, and fetuses. It damages the brain and nervous system, causing reduced fetal and child growth, hearing and speech loss or hindrances, and learning and attention deficits. Some of these effects can be permanent.

4. You Don’t Need to Test for It if You’re Renovating

You may think that if you’re renovating your whole house, it won’t matter if there’s lead paint or not. However, if there is lead paint in your home, renovating will cause it to release lead dust and particles into the air, where you’ll breathe them in. Having a professional test for it will let you know if you require professional lead based paint removal to avoid putting yourself and others at risk. 

If your home has lead paint, you need an experienced professional to perform lead based paint removal safely. Rainbow Environmental Services in Cincinnati, OH, has over 30 years’ experience in services like asbestos and mold removal, house inspections, and lead paint removal. Their supervisors and workers are certified, and every vehicle is outfitted with a broad range of equipment for dealing with hazardous materials. Read more about their services like lead paint and mold removal online, and call (513) 624-6470 to schedule a consultation.