Lead-Based Paint Inspection
Get Your Home Tested for Lead-Based Paint
Many homes, apartments, and commercial buildings built before 1978 may contain lead or lead dust. This can lead to serious health problems since lead is a toxic metal. If you are wondering whether your home contains lead-based paint or are thinking about buying a new home, SPY Inspection Services recommends having a lead-based paint inspection performed.
The inspectors survey housing units for lead-based paint using an X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer called an XRF. The XRF can determine if any lead is present in the paint. Any paint or other coatings with lead levels above established thresholds are considered lead-based.
When to Get a Lead-Based Paint Inspection
Lead-based inspections are designed to answer two questions: “Is there lead-based paint present in the housing unit?” and “Where is the lead-based paint?” Professional lead-based inspectors in Pennsylvania can answer those questions for you when they survey your home.
You should schedule a lead-based inspection if you find yourself in one of the following situations:
- People considering renovation, remodeling or demolition work that would disturb painted surfaces and may generate lead dust hazards unless proper precautions are followed.
- Home sellers who desire specific information about lead for marketing purposes.
- Home buyers or renters who want to know how much lead paint is present and its location (or who feel strongly that they want a home containing no lead-based paint).
- Rental property owners seeking exemption from the federal lead disclosure requirements by demonstrating that a specific property does not contain lead-based paint.
- Rental property owners who might need or desire documentation about lead-based paint for insurance, financing, or other reasons.
- Those facing a state or local requirement to abate all lead-based paint.
We schedule lead-based paint inspections for homeowners in Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Lehigh counties.
Where You’ll Find Lead-Based Paint
The primary sources of lead include:
- old paint on walls, window sills, trim, and other home surfaces
- tap water exposed to lead plumbing products (i.e., old lead pipes, solder)
- soil contaminated by paint chips from sanding and prepping the home’s exterior
- soil contaminated by past exposure to gasoline, which contained lead until 1978
- air pollution resulting from nearby industrial areas
The inspectors will pay close attention to these areas of your home to ensure you aren’t exposing yourself to lead-based paint unknowingly.
The Dangers of Lead-Based Paint in Your Home
Lead was used in household products until it was recognized as a potential health hazard. Since the 1980s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other state organizations have worked to ban or reduce lead use in consumer household products.
If lead is swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin, it can be extremely dangerous. Children have the highest risk of poisoning from lead exposure. And, pregnant women can pass lead toxicity to an unborn child. However, lead has also been found to be harmful to adults.
According to the EPA, lead can cause these health effects:
Children
- brain and nervous system damage
- behavioral problems
- learning problems
- slowed growth
- hearing problems
- headache
Adults
- reproductive problems in men and women
- pregnancy difficulties
- high blood pressure
- digestive problems
- nerve disorders
- memory and concentration problems
- muscle and joint pain
Keep yourself and your family safe by having your home inspected for lead-based paint before you purchase any new property or if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms in your current home.
Why Choose SPY Inspection Services?
Whether it’s a full home inspection, or individual inspection services, Spy Inspection Services has the staff and experienced technicians to get the job done right. Like we say, “Schedule It All With A Single Call…”