According to the environmental protection agency, more than 8 out of every 10 homes that were built in the 1970s has some lead paint. Lead paint can be a dangerous substance for families, especially families with young children. Paint chips can cause disease if ingested, and when lead paint is airborne it can be a health risk. That is why it is recommended that every property owner test for lead paint. Traditionally, homeowners or realtors would have these tests done by state-licensed professionals. However, some homeowners have opted for lead paint DIY kits for testing. These DIY tests are marketed as less expensive than hiring a professional to test your home, but that doesn't inherently mean that DIY test kits should be the preferred method of testing.
Are DIY Lead Paint Tests Effective?
The short answer to that question is a hard "maybe". There are just too many factors to conclusively say if every lead paint tester kit that is sold on the market is actually effective. For starters, some of the responsibility falls on the user making sure that they follow the instructions correctly and do not make mistakes when testing. Consumers will also need to know all the areas of their property to test. One of the benefits of a traditional test is that licensed testers have the experience to know where to test to make sure an entire home is covered. Aside from user-error, not all tester kits are recommended by the EPA. Overall the EPA has a rule that all EPA approved testing kits must be accurate 19 out of every 20 times. However, there is a still a margin for error with EPA approved testing kits. And those sample groups are working with the assumption that the consumer uses the tester correctly without making any mistakes.
Are DIY Lead Paint Kits Safe?
By definition, testing lead paint requires exposure to lead paint. No one is immune to lead paint, and although its effects are much more harmful to children than to adults, an adult can still be at risk of lead poisoning when coming into contact with lead paint. That is why it is vital that if you do use a DIY kit that you take the proper instructed safety measures that are recommended by the kit. You do not one to expose yourself to lead paint and risk illness.
Conclusion
As a homeowner, it is your decision whether to have your home tested professionally, on your own, or even at all. However, it is recommended that for you and your children's safety that your property is tested for lead paint. That said when it comes to choosing between professional testing and DIY kits it really boils down to accuracy and safety. A professional tester is more likely to get accurate results and conduct their tests safely than an average homeowner.
