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If your home was built before 1978, there’s a strong chance it contains lead-based paint. Many pre-1980 houses also contain lead in their plumbing and decorative materials, so age alone is a significant red flag. Older homes near industrial areas face an even higher risk. Because you can’t confirm lead by sight, scheduling a test is the safest way to protect your family.

In older houses, lead can lurk in painted trim, window sashes, soil around the foundation, plumbing pipes, and even vintage hardware. The metal is toxic, and children and pregnant women are most at risk. Exposure can trigger developmental delays, learning problems, and organ damage. Because the EPA links even low levels to serious health effects, test every suspected surface and address any hazards right away.

A positive test means lead is present somewhere you can touch, breathe, or disturb. The next step is a full risk assessment to map exactly where the hazard lies and outline the safest fix: encapsulation, enclosure, or full removal. Repairs start at $1,000 but can exceed $10,000 for complete elimination, so act quickly and hire certified pros to keep your family safe.

EPA lead certification proves that inspectors, risk assessors, and abatement contractors follow federal safety rules under the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program. The credential costs an average of $300, and certified professionals can legally test, contain, or remove lead hazards. Hiring a certified pro protects you from fines and ensures the work meets strict health standards.

Lead-based paint looks no different from any other paint, so you can’t identify it by color or sheen. Even flawless walls may hide it. If paint starts chipping, flaking, or peeling, schedule a professional test right away. Only laboratory-grade testing confirms lead and guides the safest fix for your home.