How to Identify Lead-Based Paint
It has been almost forty years since federal regulations were put in place restricting the use of lead in household paint, yet it continues to cause serious health problems today. Paint that contains lead is one of the leading causes of lead poisoning, and that is in large part due to the fact that so many homes built prior to 1978 still have the paint in place. Sometimes the problem comes from lead that is hidden under layers of new paint, and in other instances it is present without people realizing its content or its dangers. Though lead paint that is in good shape is generally not considered a problem, when the paint begins to deteriorate and peel, chip, or crack, it can easily be chewed by children, and the dust that it generates can be inhaled. Sometimes people don’t realize that the paint that they are stripping away during a renovation project contains lead, and improper handling can lead to lead poisoning as well. Lead poisoning is a permanent condition that can lead to learning disabilities and aggressive actions in children, and serious health problems in adults. If you live in an apartment or home that was built before 1978 then it is important that you know how to identify lead based paint and know what to do if it is present. The Connecticut lead poisoning lawyers from Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers want you to have this valuable information so that you can take appropriate action to protect yourself and your family.
The first thing that you need to know is that if your apartment building or home was built after 1978, you likely have nothing to worry about because after that it was under a federal ban. If your home is older than that, the first thing you want to look at is the areas of your home that are the exterior areas that are most exposed to weather and interior trim areas. Lead paint was frequently used to paint railings on stairs and the interior and exteriors of windows and doors. Remember that any furniture that was built before 1978 could also have been painted with lead paint. Once you know what you should be looking at, you need to know what to look for. Lead paint chips in a way that is different from oil and latex paints. The chipping pattern is often described as geometric or scaly. Another thing to look at is whether you find a chalky residue when you rub it – this is a characteristic of lead-based paint.
You can purchase a lead testing kit at your local hardware store. These are available in formats where you can read the results yourself or send a sample away to be tested in a lab. Both types are accurate. If you do find lead, remember that it is only a danger if it is deteriorating, so don’t panic. If it is chipping, then keep family members away from the area until you can have the situation addressed. It is generally best to have a professional who has specific training in lead paint removal take care of the situation.
If you believe that you have been exposed to lead paint, then you need the help of a Connecticut lead paint attorney from Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.
