Do all houses built before 1950 have lead paint?

Answer 1

sixcannon had some good advice about soils and lead pipes.

But to correct some urban legends from other posters - it is NOT paint chips that is the big problem for most kids. It is the lead-based paint (LBP) dust from impact and friction surfaces like double-hung windows, door jams and painted stairs. (a very few kids eat paint chips and that IS really bad, but the much more widespread problem is for 1-5 year olds who ingest dust from playing on the floor, etc.

Back to your question, I've inspected over a hundred houses for LBP and talked to trainers and supervisors who've inspected thousands.

Not all house pre-1950 have LBP, but a lot do. Often not in the wall or ceiling paint but much more likely in the door and window jams, kitchen, bathroom, and exterior trim. Pre-WWII and those locations can be screaming, 20 to 50 times modern standards.

Ironically, the better, fancier houses have higher levels of LBP because it was the best, most durable, most expensive paint available. But if a house has always been cared for, there is less water damage, poorly hung doors, etc, to generate paint dust. Intact LBP is not a hazard in and of itself. Only if it is generating dust or someone comes along and dry sands it.

A LBP inspection runs $500-1500 for a single-family home.

The home-owner/DIY option is a little color-metric swab that turns pink if there is lead in paint or leachable lead in a toy or dishes. A better paint store will stock them, "Lead Check" or look at www.homaxproducts.com About $15 for two swabs that can test 4 locations.

For paint, you cut through all layers at an angle, swab it for 30 seconds and look for a pink color on the swab. Most suspect are door and window jambs, exterior trim and kitchen/baths. I test 200-300 locations in a house with a $20,000 instrument. But if 4 or 8 of the highest-risk locations are clear, the whole house likely is.

Answer 2

Maybe not, but, I would just assume it is from the age and think the same of cars painted during this time. In my opinion it may not be as serious a problem as people make it out to be just like asbestos. But, it is a health hazzard that requires a person use some common sense. IF, children are taught not to eat paint it a big step, just like teaching them not to stick things into a wall socket, which a protector only arouses their curiosity as to why that there?
You may be able to find the EPA web-site and learn a little of what to do to solve the problem. With the age of the house being as it is, I may just remodel to remove most inside and outside ares that have paint. May sound expensive, but, I not think that matter. Many people are covering their outside with Aluminmum/Vinyl siding so it not hurt to remove the old use the Insulated Backing and have a quality work. Inside, I like Paneling and would remove Sheetrock and replace with nice paneling or you can go with Sheetrock. Also, with this age you may want to check the Electrical and upgrade it and give the plumbing a look, copper is best, in my opinion. I know this sounds like building another house, but, if this done over a period of time you not see a large chunk of money up front and if you do most of this yourself, you can only buy what you need for a little 8 hour weekend project. I guess there are easier ways and less expensive, but, this my approach. Heck, people talk of being bored, this give something to do and later some self-confidence as you can tell people; "I did this"!
Sorry, I may have did an "Over-Kill" on this answer.

Answer 3

well i was born in 1976. So i pretty much grew up in the 80's. As kids than we did have a more tech stuff than those who born before us. However back than we did go out and just play. TV was very limited. we did not have cell phones or DVDS. I do not think tapes came out till middle of the 80's. Alot of those things you mentioned i think we did as kids. Now, more and more kids are staying at home and playing video games and don't get me started on how some of them dress. great question.BTW i do remember saying the the Pledge of Allegiance and NOBODY had a problem with it. It was not an issue.

Answer 4

Not necessarily lead paint but may have lead pipes and the window screens may have lead in them. Also, if the house is near a major highway, the ground may have absorbed lead from leaded gas vehicles. Your local health department should do free testing.

Answer 5

most likely. Be careful sanding, use a respirator. Keep paint chips away from kids. Keep a good non leaky roof and repaint with latex over to prevent seepage.

Answer 6

Most likely.

Answer 7

9 timers out of ten yes, they dident have the codes back then, like they do know. different era.

Answer 8

YES, there was nothing else.