Lead was added to paint to impart desirable properties such as faster drying, durability and moisture resistance. Lead is hazardous, and can cause a number of problems when ingested. In any structure built prior to 1978, there is a higher likelihood of the presence of lead paint.
There is a considerable amount of educational material regarding lead available on the EPA website. Please check out this free resource for more information regarding potential lead issues in the home and health effects related to lead exposure.
Inspecting for and testing of lead paint is outside the scope of a standard home inspection. As a result, when we discover material that appears to be lead paint during a home inspection, we issue the following recommendation:
Possible lead paint has been observed during the inspection. Note: No official lead paint inspection has been performed, this information is being provided as a courtesy for our client. In any structure built prior to 1978, there is a higher likelihood of the presence of lead paint.
Please be advised that structures built prior to 1978 have a higher likelihood of the presence of lead-based paint. While no official lead paint inspection is performed during the standard home inspection, this information is being provided as a courtesy for our client. If this item is a concern for the client or anyone else involved in the transaction, further evaluation by a qualified professional is recommended prior to the end of the inspection period.