Calculating Business Risks

Posted on: 14 December 2020

If you own a home that was built prior to 1978, there's a good chance that the walls are covered in lead paint. If it is, the paint should be removed as soon as possible. Lead paint might not pose a health risk when it's in good condition. But as the paint ages, you may begin to notice chips and cracks starting to appear. When that happens, the lead paint is no longer safe to be around, especially where children are concerned. That's why it's important to have lead paint removed before you notice signs of deterioration and damage. Here are four steps you need to take if you suspect that there's lead paint in your home. 

Invest in a Home Inspection

If you think that your home contains lead paint, the first thing you need to do is schedule an inspection. Home inspections can identify the presence of lead paint in your home. The home inspection will also determine the condition of the paint. If the inspection does identify the presence of lead paint, you'll need to take action right away. That includes hiring a lead removal service. You should never try to remove lead paint as a do-it-yourself project. Doing that could release particles of lead paint into your home, which could be harmful to your children. 

Have Your Children Tested

If your home tested positive for lead paint, and you have young children, have them tested for lead exposure right away. If your children have been exposed to lead, they could be suffering from lead exposure, which can cause serious health problems. Lead exposure can lead to kidney damage, poor muscle coordination, and learning disabilities. Medical testing will determine if your children have the presence of lead in their blood systems. 

Keep the Surfaces Clean

If you've discovered that your home contains lead paint and you're waiting for removal, you'll need to keep the surfaces clean. Lead paint chips and dust particles can settle on all of the surfaces in your home. If your children touch contaminated surfaces, they may transfer the lead dust into their mouths, eyes, or noses. The best way to protect against that is to clean the surfaces in your home several times a week to keep the dust away. 

Expand the Landscaping

Finally, if the exterior of your home contains lead paint, the chances are good that the soil is contaminated as well, especially the soil nearest to the foundation. To reduce the effects of contaminated soil, invest in an additional layer of topsoil. You can also use garden mulch, but you'll need to place a layer of garden sheeting under the mulch for maximum protection.