Definition
Lead paint was the standard before 1978, and it can seriously harm children and adults if they're exposed to it through dust, chips, or renovation activities. You need to know if it's there and manage it safely.
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Lead paint was standard in homes before 1978 federal ban. Lead exposure causes reduced IQ, behavioral problems, developmental delays in children, and neurological effects in adults. Lead exists in soil and dust where paint has deteriorated. Safe management involves containment, encapsulation, or professional abatement. Lead risk increases when paint is disturbed (renovation, deterioration). EPA-certified contractors conduct lead inspections and safe removal.
Pro Tip
Homes built before 1978 almost certainly have lead paint. If you have young kids, plan to have a professional safely manage it—the cost is reasonable insurance against real health risks.
Example
A home built in 1970 disclosed lead paint during inspection. The buyer negotiated a lead abatement allowance ($3,000) and planned careful renovation with containment protocols to minimize exposure risk.