When you buy a new property it is important to inspect it for any safety hazards. This likely requires you to hire an electrician for inspection, a plumber, and potentially a lead paint testing company. But many homeowners decide to DIY their inspections. And although it can save money, many professionals in different fields warn homeowners about the potential risks of running your inspections. Licensed professionals have experience, tools, and techniques that they have to prove to their state in order to maintain their license. Still, homeowners often wonder if it would be better to DIY their home inspection.
Why Is Lead Paint So Important?
Lead paint was a very common product throughout New England for years. And although it was eventually banned, it is still commonly found in properties throughout Massachusetts. Lead poisoning can cause a variety of illnesses and permanent damage. And lead paint is especially dangerous for young children. This is why it has been recommended for years that when a family looks to buy their first or second home that they hire a lead paint inspector. A simple inspection can tell you if you have lead paint and what next steps you can take.
Lead Paint DIY Testing Accuracy?
There are a variety of lead pain tests that can be bought at various hardware stores and retail locations. Most home tests use color-changing swabs that react to lead. Similar to a pool pH test kit. The kits usually use rhodizonate or sulfide ions that react when coming in direct contact with lead. However, the accuracy of these tests has constantly come into question. The Consumer Product Safety Commission tested more than 300 DIY kits and found that more than half of them either produced a false negative or didn't accurately detect lead. Another large issue is that most DIY kits can really only test the outermost layer of paint. If a previous homeowner simply painted over the lead paint it might not be detected.
Professional Lead Paint Testing Accuracy
Alternatively, lead paint testers use specialized equipment that includes using X-ray fluorescence technology. The same Consumer Product Safety Commission found that these tests provided correct results at least 92% of the time. The EPA has also advised homeowners to get professional testing done instead of using DIY testing kits. Additionally, the EPA has recommended that any existing lead paint be dealt with by professionals as well to make sure it is fully removed.
Licensed Lead Paint Testing in Greater Boston
DCM Environmental provides lead paint testing to homes and offices in Quincy and Greater Boston. If your home needs a lead paint test we would be happy to help. We pride ourselves on providing great services at affordable rates and with easy to understand reporting. Additionally, we do not provide lead paint removal services so you know that our tests are completely unbiased.
