How to Test for Lead Paint DIY

Lead is a toxic metal once commonly used in household paints and ceramic finishes. Of course, we now have a better understanding of the dangers of lead. Despite this recent education, lead is still present in cookware, vintage toys, and jewelry. It’s also found in many homes built before 1978 as lead-based paint was used on both the interior and exterior of homes. In many cases, this common ingredient made to make paint causes health complications with a particular danger for young children and pregnant women. While federal regulations went into effect in 1978 banning the use of lead-based paint in residential homes, if you live in a home built before then, test for lead paint DIY and find out for sure.

The Dangers of Lead Paint

Young children tend to put everything in their mouths. This could include lead paint chips that have broken free from window sills or baseboards. As the paint ages, it chips and cracks allowing flakes and dust to collect on surfaces. Also, inhaling dust containing lead dust can cause health issues. Lead used in exterior paint can leach into the ground where it contaminates the soil. Testing for lead paint does not mean hiring an expensive testing company. An affordable, easy-to-use test kit is the solution. It’s also possible to remove objects and even building materials yourself if a lead paint DIY test reveals the presence of lead.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is a concern for everyone but children and pregnant women are at high risk. If you are unsure about the presence of lead in your home, order a lead paint DIY test kit and find out for sure. If you suspect an issue, be aware of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Vomiting and abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Seizures

Long-term exposure to lead could result in learning difficulties and even hearing loss in children. For unborn babies, it could result in premature birth and low birth weight, headaches, and fatigue. For adult males, a lowered sperm count could result in exposure to lead.

Lead Dangers in the Home

Lead may be found in the finishes of ceramic dishes. While the US Food and Drug Administration provides no regulation on lead levels in dishes, California requires businesses to provide a clear warning label on any products containing hazardous chemicals. When purchasing products such as tableware keep in mind that “lead-safe” items contain lead while “lead-free” tableware does not. 

In addition to certain ceramics, cookware with an enamel finish may contain lead. Also, the enamel finishes used in cast iron may contain lead even though any lead used in the cast would have boiled away in the casting process. Collectors of antique tableware and toy hobbyists should perform a lead paint DIY test to make sure their collections are safe, especially if there are young children in the house. A bigger danger exists when any of these Items become chipped or cracked, therefore it is important to use a lead paint DIY test to find out for sure.

Test for Lead Paint DIY

It’s easy to test for lead paint yourself. The first step is to purchase a DIY lead paint test kit. Use the test kit to test for the presence of lead in wood floors, ceramics, metal, and plastic. You can also test hardwood floors as well as cast iron pans and ceramics.

Once you’ve purchased the lead test kit, determine which surfaces to test. Remove any dust or dirt from the area then insert the provided swab into the vial. Rub the test surface with the swab for 30 to 60 seconds. If the test detects lead, the color changes.

Safe Removal of Materials

Properly dispose of any items containing lead. If the wood flooring in your home tests positive for lead, contact your local authorities about any laws governing its removal. You may need to consult with an abatement specialist as removal may cause lead dust to disperse into the air.

Order Your Lead Paint DIY Test Kit Today

If you own an older home and suspect a lead issue, take action. Order a lead paint DIY test kid today. The same holds true for antique ceramics, bathtubs, collectible toys, jewelry, and wood floors. Find out for sure and keep your family safe. For more information on how to order and use a lead paint DIY testing kit, call 727-572-4550 today.