Why should I have my home inspected or assessed for risks?

• Your child has been diagnosed as having lead poisoning. The most common home-based source of lead exposure is deteriorating lead-based paint and the resulting dust.
• You live in a home built before 1978 where small children are or will be living.
• You are about to remodel or do anything that will disturb lead-based paint or generate lead-based paint dust and chips that can harm you and your family.
• You are renting or buying a home. When buying a home, federal law allows the purchaser the opportunity to conduct testing to determine whether lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards are present. This is especially important if you have (or plan to have) young children in the home.
• You are concerned about possible lead exposure to you, your family and pets, or visitors.

How can I tell if my home contains lead-based paint?

If you want to know whether or not your home contains lead-based paint, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends one of the following:

• Assume your home contains lead-based paint and take the appropriate precautions. In pre-1978 homes and buildings, this is the simplest and safest approach.
• Hire a professional to check for lead-based paint. A certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor can conduct an inspection to determine whether your home or a portion of your home has lead-based paint and where it is located. This will tell you the areas in your home where lead-safe work practices should be used for renovation, repair, or painting jobs.

Lead exposure is serious health concern. To protect you and your family from lead hazards, a certified lead assessor can assist you in reviewing the report, and help you decide whether abatement (eliminating lead hazards completely) or continued good maintenance (managing potential lead hazards) is a better option for you. Call today for an appointment 516-295-2581