For Homeowners | Healthy Homechq

Homeowners

Lead, a toxic metal, can be found in old paint, pipes, and other household items. Exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in young children and pregnant women. By having their home tested for lead, homeowners can identify potential sources of exposure and take the necessary steps to remove or replace them. It's important to remember that prevention is key when it comes to health and safety, and getting a lead test is a proactive measure that can save lives.

Get Your Home Tested for Lead

• If you live in a home built before 1978 and are considering a home renovation project, you should:

– Hire a certified inspector or risk assessor to check your home for lead-based paint or lead hazards by visiting www.epa.gov/lead/findaprofessional.

› A lead-based paint inspection tells you if your home has lead-based paint and where it is located.

› A lead risk assessment tells you if your home currently has any lead hazards from lead in paint, dust, or soil and what actions to take to address those hazards.

› A combination inspection and risk assessment tells you if your home has any lead-based paint or lead hazards and where both are located. Find a certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assesor at www.epa.gov/lead/findaprofessional or call the National Lead Information Center at 1 (800) 424-LEAD [5323] (TTY 711).

• Hire a lead-safe certified contractor who is trained in lead-safe work practices (a group of techniques to prevent lead exposure resulting from renovation and repair activities). Find a lead-safe certified contractor for renovation, repair, and painting jobs at www.epa.gov/lead/ findacontractor.