Would you bother with a lead paint test?

Question

My husband and I like this house that was built in 1965. I want to have a lead paint test conducted while my husband says we shouldn't bother because 1) they repainted everything already and 2) it has all brand new windows. So my husband thinks it would be pointless. I'm still concerned.
Why do you think? Thanks!

Answer 1

In 1960 the federal government recognized the possible danger of lead based paint and reduced the amount of lead you could put in paint. A lot of single family builders quit using it altogether at that time.

In 1978 they outlawed lead based paint altogether except for special circumstances (such as shielding Xray radiation).

There is a blue booklet that outlines the possible dangers. The federal government requires you get one of those if you are going to buy a house of that age.

I have sold hundreds of homes in that age range. I have never found anyone that got a lead based paint test done. They are apparently difficult to do or expensive. I don't even know who I would call to do one.

Just because I am not concerned or your husband is not concerned is not good enough. You need to be able to sleep soundly in your own bed. Anyone I ever worked with that was concerned simply decided to buy a newer house. If you are concerned I would do the same thing.

Answer 2

I would not bother with it. If the home dates to 1965, it probably has some lead paint in it somewhere. Lead paint tests can be very expensive, and remediation is even MORE expensive, since the offending paint must be removed from the premises. I know of no seller who would accept an offer contingent upon the seller removing all lead paint from the premises.

You are best to assume that there IS lead paint there somewhere. The sensible thing to check is whether or not the lead paint will pose a health threat to you. Generally speaking, the existence of lead paint is not a health issue unless the paint is peeling or flaking off the surface to which it was applied. It's not as though the lead from the paint vaporizes into the air. The concern is mostly that kids will chew a window sill containing lead paint, or pick up lead containing paint flakes and consume them.

As a hint, in nearly two decades of real estate brokerage, I have yet to encounter my first client who had a lead paint test done.

Answer 3

If it's already been re-painted recently and the windows are new, I would have to agree with your hubby.
Especially since you'll probably repaint it again anyways.
As long as the paint that contains lead is covered with lead-free paint, I wouldn't worry, as long as it's not chipping off.
If you have kids and they eat any of the chipped paint, that could be a cause for concern.
My current home was built in 1910 and chose not to have that test. It had also been repainted(we re-painted it again, also there was some remodeling done to parts of the house( even an addition to the kitchen) and also has new windows.

Answer 4

It is unlikely that there is lead based paint in the home because by 1965 the cost of lead based paint had already risen significantly so less people were using it however, you never know what someone had sitting in their garage at the time it was built or what they used on it later.

It depends on why you want to know as to whether you should go to the expense of testing or not.

If there is lead based paint then as long as you don't ingest the paint or paint dust then you are fine. If there is lead based paint then you would want to take extra precautions if you have to do any sanding on the paint so that you don't get the dust all over.

If you plan on doing a major remodel then it might be worth it to get it tested just so you know what you are getting in to but not to deter you from buying. Maybe you could use the info to negotiate a lower price though.

But do you know what? A lot of old kitchen counter tile has lead in it and no one tests for that or takes precaution when removing it or breathing all the dust from those that are broken during demolition. Fact is that we are exposed to stuff all the time. I'm not saying don't be safe but SHEESH, you have to live!

Answer 5

Federal law stipulates that sellers or landlords or homes built before 1978 are obligated under federal law (42 U.S.C. 485d) to advise any buyer or tenant of the dangers of lead base paint in your home .
At that point the buyer may elect to have the property tested.
Testing is important because, even though the old lead paint may be encapsulated by latex paint the occupant runs the risk of breaking the barrier when making repairs, sanding the walls, removing old wallpaper etc., etc.. I would test it is not that difficult or expensive. Google lead paint testing for options.
Good luck with your new home. Use a REALTOR and a good title attorney

Answer 6

Since your home was built in 1965, it's likely lead paint was used. Your local or state health department can tell you how to have a lead inspection conducted for little to no cost. Many hardware stores sell lead testing kits, as well. Getting rid of lead in the wrong way (painting over it, chipping it off yourself, etc) can make the threat of lead poisoning even more of a factor. Growing up, there was lead in the basement of my home (it was built in the early 1900's) and it made me continuously sick. Finally, the doctors figured out the cause ... lead poisoning. It's very serious, it can actually cause several disorders in children and adults.

Get it checked out.

Answer 7

Yes! Definitely get a lead paint test. The residue left by any lead paint can be very toxic and harmful to family members and pets. If the house was built in the 1970s or before, it should be a must. If just a small test can help keep your family healthy, get it done.

Answer 8

If it bothers you, yes, proceed. "How" is the issue.

How to go about it with your hubby feeling alright. Perhaps, if you get a good costing of the test and even willing to pay for it entirely, your hubby has nothing to say. He might just chuckle or tease you after the relief result.

Getting this test is a little like getting my parents to see the doctor for check up. They rather not go or delay it as they rather believe everything's fine instead of the chance that doctor brings up area they should be concern of.

Back to the lead test - would I? No, as there's never been a issue from where I come from here. But thanks for the notion.

Answer 9

Since it was built before 1978, the test is required by law.

Painting over lead paint does NOT remove the hazard.

Only a fool would risk their children's health over this.

Remediation may or may not be needed, but you always should have the test done; it's not expensive.

Answer 10

Well, they did use lead paint back then, but if you bought it later they have to repaint it. I think it should be fine, if you are still concerned maybe you should do it just to put your mind at ease, especially if you have kids and are worried about them. It should be fine though, lead paints are not used and they have to repaint over it because of it toxicity.