If your home was built prior to 1978 you may have existing lead paint on the interior or exterior of the home. If you are considering painting or doing any type of construction to your home you need to take this into consideration. The older your home is the more likely it has lead paint. Just because the lead paint might have been painted over with many coats of non lead paint does not mean that you can not cause problems with it.
Many things can disturb the old paint and cause it to go into the air or ground. Any type of cutting, sanding or demolition will likely send lead particles into places that could make you breath them. Many paint companies are licensed and trained to deal with lead paint issues including testing your home. If you are hiring a painting contractor and your home is older they should inform you of the possibility of the problem and do a test for you.
If you choose to paint the home yourself you should do some research on how to contain the old paint and to protect your family from danger. Small children can be greatly affected by breathing or swallowing lead paint. Some adults can get very sick from lead paint exposure and it does not take very much. If you decide to paint a wall or ceiling in your home and you are not doing any type of sanding or removing of old paint you are likely not disturbing the old paint beneath.
At Absolute Painting we often recommend contacting a company that specializes in this type of work for exterior painting. We are happy to help with any questions you have regarding lead paint or any type of painting issues.
