is it necessary to remove all the lead-base paint in my house?

Question

my just bought a house biult in 1970,

Answer 1

So many answers. So much bad information. ("leadassessor"'s info was accurate, though).

I have not found Home Depot to have a wealth of employees conversant in lead paint issues.

Disclosure to buyer - IF you know, you are suposed to tell a buyer. I know of no jurisdictions in which you must test private houses.

Very few kids have gnawed on / eaten lead-based paint (LBP) chips. Those very few get big press because of screamingly high blood lead levels, and have somehow entered the popular imagination.

The real risk is from lead-containing dust. Especially for 1-2 year olds because their brains are developing fast AND they are on the floor a lot (no longer a babe-in-arms, but not walking yet either). The dust comes from impact and friction surfaces like door jambs and window frames.

Houses after 1978 have no LBP. Between 1950 and 1978 there were decreasing amounts of lead in paint and testing would be needed to determine for certain what went onto your house. A house built in 1970 most likely has no LBP, but if there is some, it is only in the window/door trim and possibly the kitchen/bathroom cabinets.

You can have a firm come in and test for lead-based paint (LBP) for $500 to $1000. They'll have an x-ray based machine that gives exact concentrations of lead in the paint and will check every painted surface in the house, about 8 to 12 per room.

Or you can buy a do-it-yourself kit called "Lead check" from a better paint store or from www.homaxproducts.com. About $15 for four tests. It turns pink if there is lead in the paint. You should check window and door trim, inside and out, kitchen cabinets and each different colored surface of the exterior, especially doors, window trim and eaves. Items with the same "paint history" - same color, same age, same building part - can be grouped together for testing. i.e. you don't have to test every identical exterior window frame.

Is it necessary to remove it? Only if it is producing dust (on an impact surface or peeling/flaking due to water damamge, etc). Intact paint isn't a risk in and of itself. In the meantime, wet mopping up dust from the floors and window sills greatly reduces exposure.

Personally, for a 1970 house, if it were my own, I'd use the Lead Check kits on about a dozen locations, those dozen trim locations that were most different from each other. About $50. 90% chance that the answer will be no LBP and then you can be put this issue behind you.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

There are a few concerns here. Hoew old is the FIRST coat of paint???? if it is pre-1985, chances are it contains LEAD!!! A house inspector can test for lead content in your painted wall. He does a scraping and sends it to a lab for analysis. You MUST do this!! Lead paint, especially dried, old lead paint, is toxic!! There are very stringent and laid down methods for removing lead based paint. The house inspector can advise you of these procedures! One old house I renovated, had to be wrapped in plastic and an air purification system used, along with the funny white suits, but that was a drastic measure for doing the entire home!!! You will definitely need a personal breathing filtration mask that is suitable for air borne contaminants like lead and other dangerous impurities!! I have a feeling the bottom few layers will contain lead!! Get it checked out, first!! it's worth the cost to keep your family safe!!! Once you determine everything is a go for paint removal, go to your local building or hardware store. There is an environmentally safe paint stripper that will stick to vertical surfaces. Ask for it. You will need a scraper, a wire brush, some steel wool, and some sanding sponges. PLace a thick plastic tarp all around the floor, when you strip the walls. the stripper will attack the finished surface of your floors, unless the floor is granite or slate! This will require many hours of scraping, rubbing, and sanding!! i would even tape off the doors and windws to the room, until all the paint is removed. You will need to gather the paint scrapings up in the tarp, at the end, and dispose of it at a lisenced site for lead contaminants!! Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Depends. Lead base paint was particularily harmful to small children that had a tendency to scratch or chew on the paint. If there are small children in the house it might be wise. Also, in many area, in order to sell the house, it must be certified as free of lead base paint. Talk to a local realtor or the city building inspector and found out what the requirement/regulations are in your area. If you just purchased, check with your realtor about the lead base paint requirement.

Answer 4

The problem comes when kids eat the paint flakes.

Did you see House M.D.? Some kids chew on window sills. Ironically, if the sand is recycled and was used first to sandblast a lead based painted home first, the kids can get sick from the lead contaminated sand!

If you sand, make sure You use a good particle mask.

In general, no.

Answer 5

In many states there has to be a disclosure signed by the seller concerning lead-based paint. Are you sure there is lead-based paint in your house? You should have it removed as soon as possible. I do not think it poses a real big immediate problem to adults, but if you have pets or children be very careful. Make sure none of the lead-based paint is chipping.

Answer 6

The fact hat lead base paint is present is not always a problem.
How do you know that there is lead?
There are many more factors to consider:
1.The condition of the painted surface
2.Where the paint is located, (in reach of children)
3.Lead paint dust is the most realized problem
4.Best bet is to have a “risk assessment” by a licensed professional.

Answer 7

You COULD remove it, and you SHOULD if you want to be all-naturally healthy. But remember that removing lead based paint is dangerous to you and anyone else around. Go to Rona or Canadian Tire or Home Depot or whatnot to get some better advice.

Answer 8

ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A SMALL CHILD IN THE HOUSE CHEWING ON THE PAINT? IF NOT I DON'T THINK YOU NEED TO REMOVE IT;. ALL THE PAINT WE HAD BEFORE WAS LEAD BASED AND I'M STILL ALIVE.

Answer 9

IF you have children or are planning to have children then I would recommend that you do.

IF you are planning to sell you home, you have no choice. Nobody will buy it, and you aren't allowed to sell it without revealing that it has lead-based paint.

Answer 10

if you have kids that might chew yes yes yes for a healthy home yes causes brain damage and as a parent of a child with brain damage you do not want to take any risks at any costs