The short answer
The 1978 Ban
In 1978, the U.S. Government banned lead-based paint for housing. Before that year, lead was a common additive to make paint durable and colorful. Homes built earlier can still have lead paint on walls, doors, windows, and trim.
The ban did not remove existing paint. So a home built in 1960 may have lead paint beneath layers of newer, safer paint. Renovation or simple wear can expose it. That is why the age of a home matters so much.
How Lead Paint Becomes Dangerous
Lead paint is not dangerous when it sits intact. It becomes a problem when it deteriorates. Chipping, peeling, or rubbing against a window frame creates dust and flakes. Children can swallow that dust or put paint chips in their mouths.
Even small amounts of lead can harm a child's brain and nervous system. Adults can also absorb lead through dust, though children face the highest risk. The danger comes from ongoing exposure, not a single touch.
- Chipping paint on window sills
- Peeling paint on doors and baseboards
- Dust from sanding or scraping old paint
- Soil near exterior walls where paint flakes fell
- Friction surfaces like stair rails and windows
- Renovation work that disturbs old paint
Where Lead Paint Hides
Lead paint is often found on surfaces that get a lot of wear. Window frames and sills are common spots because they see constant movement. Doors, door frames, stairs, and railings also hold lead paint in many older homes.
Exterior walls and porches can have lead paint too. As it weathers, it flakes into the soil around the foundation. That soil can track inside on shoes or be touched by children playing outside.
Testing and Safety Steps
If your home was built before 1978, assume lead paint may be present. A simple test kit from a hardware store can check a small area. For a full picture, a professional lead inspector can test every painted surface. That is the reliable way to know for sure.
Until you know, keep painted surfaces in good shape. Clean floors and windowsills often with a wet cloth. Wash children's hands before meals and naps. Do not sand, scrape, or burn off old paint without taking proper precautions.
- Wet-clean floors and window sills weekly
- Wash children's hands and toys often
- Keep painted surfaces intact and repaint over chips
- Do not dry-scrape or sand old paint
- Use a HEPA vacuum for any dust cleanup
- See a doctor if you feel unwell after exposure
Renovation and Water Damage
Renovating an older home can stir up lead dust. That includes work on drywall or flooring that touches painted surfaces. Water damage can also make paint peel faster, exposing lead layers underneath. A water-damaged wall in a pre-1978 home deserves careful handling.
If you have water damage in an older home, avoid scraping or sanding the damaged paint. The pros who handle water damage repair are not lead specialists. You may need a separate lead abatement professional for any paint that contains lead.
Need help right now?
Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesa and nearby communities.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
Is lead paint dangerous if it is not peeling?
Intact lead paint is less risky because the lead stays inside the paint layer. But friction on windows or doors can create invisible dust. It is safest to assume any pre-1978 paint can release lead and take simple cleaning steps.
Can I just paint over lead paint?
Painting over lead paint can seal it temporarily. Use a primer and a top coat. But the paint can still chip or peel later. Encapsulation is a temporary fix, not a permanent removal. Test the surface first and keep an eye on wear.
Who should remove lead paint?
Lead paint removal is not a do-it-yourself project. You need a professional trained in lead abatement. They follow strict safety rules to contain dust and dispose of waste. Ask your local health department for a list of qualified pros.