What Does Lead Paint Look Like?

Lead paint, once commonly used in homes and buildings for its durability, can not typically be identified by visual characteristics with certainty. Lead paint can, however, have a distinctive, often glossy finish and ages poorly, showing signs of wear such as cracking, peeling, or chipping. Deteriorating areas of paint may expose underlying layers of different colors, indicating multiple applications over the years. While the paint's appearance alone isn't definitive proof of lead content, these telltale signs can be an initial indicator. Learn more about lead paint by reading below, or contact our team at DCM Environmental Testing Co. today to get a free estimate on a lead paint testing service in Massachusetts!

Signs of Lead Paint

• Chipping & Peeling: Lead paint often deteriorates by chipping, peeling, or flaking, especially in areas with older paint and high wear & tear.
• Cracking: The paint may show a distinctive alligator-like cracking pattern as it ages.
• Dust & Debris: Lead paint can generate dust and small paint chips that can be hazardous if ingested or inhaled.
• Multiple Layers: Older homes may have several layers of paint, some of which may contain lead. When scraped or sanded, these layers can be revealed.
• Location: Lead paint is commonly found on window sills, door frames, skirting boards, and other high-friction areas in homes built before 1978.
• Glossy Finish: Lead paint often has a thick, shiny appearance that may not be typical of more modern paints.

Health Risks of Lead Paint

In Children:

• Lead exposure can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and lower IQ levels.
• Increased risk of behavioral problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), aggression, and hyperactivity.
• Lead poisoning can cause anemia, slowed growth, and hearing problems.

In Adults:

• Lead exposure can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Problems such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mood disorders can occur.
• Prolonged exposure can impair kidney function.
• Lead can cause reproductive issues, including reduced fertility in both men and women and complications during pregnancy.

How Is Lead Paint Safely Removed?

Lead paint should always be removed by a licensed professional, as inexperienced homeowners attempting to remove lead paint on their own could inadvertently expose themselves to dangerous lead particles, leading to health concerns. The methods typically used by professionals to remove lead paint include:

1. Wet Sanding or Scraping: This method involves keeping surfaces damp to minimize dust when scraping or sanding off lead paint.
2. Chemical Strippers: This method involves using lead-specific chemical paint strippers that do not create dust.
3. Heat Gun: This method involves using a low-temperature heat gun to soften the paint for easy removal.

Contact DCM Environmental For A Free Lead Paint Testing Estimate!

If you have any questions about lead paint, lead paint removal, or if you believe your home in Massachusetts may contain lead paint, please contact our team at DCM Environmental Testing Co. for a free lead paint testing estimate! We provide home and business owners in Massachusetts with professional, unbiased testing for lead paint and other hazardous materials! Give us a call today at (617) 481-5782 or fill out the contact form on our website!