Lead Paint Inspection

If you are contemplating the purchase of a home that was built prior to 1978, the chances are high that lead paint may have been used in the home. The government banned lead paint in 1978, but remnants can remain in paint, dust, water, pipes, and soil.

Why Get a Lead Paint Inspection?

Because there is no safe level of lead exposure and because of the harm it can do to children and adults, federal, state and local regulations require testing before the purchase of homes built prior to 1978 and when new tenants occupy rental property built prior to 1978.

Children are most commonly exposed to lead through paint that is deteriorating into dust, chalk, or chips.

When to Get a Lead Paint Inspection

Home Renovation

If you are considering renovating a home or dwelling built prior to 1978, a lead paint inspection completed prior to the renovation process will give you important information if lead paint is discovered and abatement is required.

Buying a Home

When selling an older home, those built before 1978, federal and state laws require the seller to disclose whether any paint-related remediation is needed and will be done.

In addition, sellers must provide an opportunity to conduct either a lead risk assessment or inspection before completing the terms of the sales contract.

Rental Housing

According to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), property owners are required to test for lead paint ahead of new tenants moving into rental housing built prior to 1978 to be in compliance. Tenants also are obligated to receive a copy of the inspection report.

What types of inspections are done to detect lead paint?

The most common types of inspections may involve

  • A complete inspection of all the painted surfaces within and outside the home
  • A risk assessment to evaluate potential sources of lead exposure
  • A hazard screening which is a more limited inspection

Your inspector may use XRF Testing to detect the presence of lead, visual inspection of painted surfaces, dust swipes or chemical spot testing.

Hire Shore Inspection Service LLC to Mitigate the Risk of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure is difficult to detect without special equipment and no level is safe, which is why hiring a certified inspector is a smart move. Call Home Inspector Chad Sims 410-476-8144, owner of Shore Inspection Services, LLC, which serves homes on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to schedule a consultation and inspection today.