Lead-based paint was commonly used for its durability and moisture resistance, but it is now known to be toxic. It is still used in some military and road construction projects. Removing or painting over lead-based paint requires caution due to the potential health risks. Testing for hazardous materials is recommended when buying an older home.
Lead-based paint is a paint that includes lead in its formulation. Lead has historically been used as a pigment to make yellow and white paints, and it adds a number of properties to paint that made it a desirable additive before people realized the danger associated with it. In the 1970s, the use of lead paint began to be banned in many applications, perhaps particularly residences, although it continues to be used in military projects and road construction in some regions of the world.
Adding lead to paint speeds up the drying process and also produces a more durable and longer lasting final product. Lead-based paint resists moisture, reducing the risk of cracking and mold. All of these traits have made this type of paint an attractive option for many builders and homeowners, as other types of paint may be prone to cracking, peeling, and other problems. In the United States alone, an estimated 75% of homes built before 1978 contain lead-containing paint.
Because lead is a toxic substance, some risks are associated with lead-based paints. The common belief is that it makes children and pets sick by eating paint chips that have flaked off the wall. Even if that happens, the paint usually makes people sick in other ways. Inhaling lead particles from rotting or broken paint, for example, is a common cause of lead poisoning, and because it is less noticeable than consuming paint chips, the problem may only be discovered after signs of lead appear. lead poisoning.
Some people strip lead-based paint and replace it with a safer paint. However, you need to be careful when doing this, as removing paint is a messy business and raises a lot of paint flakes and dust that could be potentially dangerous. Some companies specialize in the removal of hazardous building materials such as asbestos and lead paint and using such a company is highly recommended. If not, the paint must be removed carefully and people must wear appropriate face protection and pay attention to filter and clean the room during the removal process.
People can also paint over lead-based paint, although this can cause a variety of problems as well. For example, when the top layer of paint peels off, it exposes the lead paint, which can be significantly deteriorated and can cause health problems. Painting over it can also be a problem for future residents or home buyers. When someone buys an older home, they may want to request samples of the paint and tile for testing, as the discovery of lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials could be used to lower the price or request a rectification of the situation as a condition of sale .
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