Lead Paint Sampling

If a home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. In 1978, the U.S. federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint. Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning.  If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Call us to schedule lead paint sampling!

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. 

• Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the U.S.
• Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.
• People can get lead in their body if they:
  • put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths;
  • eat paint chips or soil that contains lead; or
  • breathe in lead dust, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.
• Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because:
  • babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them;
  • children's growing bodies can absorb more lead; and 
  • children's brains and central nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
• If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
  • damage to the brain and nervous system;
  • behavioral and learning problems (such as hyperactivity);
  • slowed growth;
  • hearing problems; and 
  • headaches.

•  Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can't always see, can be serious hazards.
• Peeling, chipping, chalking and cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs immediate attention.
• Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These areas include:
  • windows and window sills;
  • doors and door frames;
  • stairs, railings and banisters; and 
  • porches and fences.

Note: Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard.

• Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry-scraped, dry-sanded, or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, sweep or walk through it.
• Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil, or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes.
  

 You can get your home checked in one of two ways (or both):

• A paint inspection tells you the lead content of every different type of painted surface in your home. It won't tell you whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal with it.
• A risk assessment tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure, such as peeling paint and lead dust. It also tells you what actions to take to address these hazards.

Note: Home test kits for lead are available, but studies suggest that they are not always accurate. Consumers should not rely on these tests before doing renovations or to assure safety. 

Have our qualified professionals do the work. There are standards in place for lead-based paint professionals to ensure that the work is done safely, reliably and effectively. If you have a home in St. Augustine, Jacksonville and surrounding areas, call today to schedule your lead paint inspection!