While lead has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals and can cause serious health effects. Lead inspections and risk assessments are useful and extremely important first steps to making more informed decisions on managing lead paint and lead hazards. A lead-based paint inspection will determine whether lead-based paint is present in a residential, industrial or commercial building including common areas and exterior surfaces; and if present, which building components contain lead-based paint. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) define a lead inspection as a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint and recommend that only a certified (licensed) lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor should be hired.
What are typical sources of lead in the home or building?
If a home or building was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint, but some states banned it even earlier. Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning.
What are some of the symptoms of lead poisoning?
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Short attention span
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Poor appetite
- Constipation
- Behavioral changes (hyperactivity)
More severe signs include:
- Changes in consciousness
- Sight and hearing los