Home Danger Zone Finder
What to Look for:
If your house or apartment was built before 1978, chances are it contains lead-based paint. The older the building, the more likely it will contain lead-based paint. Lead-based paint is usually not harmful if it is in good condition and is not on an impact or friction surface like a window or door jamb or on a surface that children chew.
Although the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule does not apply to homeowners renovating, repairing, or painting their own homes, do-it-yourself projects can easily create dangerous lead dust. When you think you may have lead-based paint, it may be best to hire a trained lead-safe certified RRP contractor. These contractors have been trained in special methods to minimize dust and clean up thoroughly to reduce the chance of lead contamination.
Outside
Fences and Porches:
- Lead-based paint was often used on fences and porches. Look for chipping or peeling paint that could get into the soil where your children play.
Soil:
- When exterior lead-based paint from houses or apartment buildings flakes or peels it can get into the soil around your home - lead dust can then be tracked into your home from the soil outside. Soil may also be contaminated from the past use of leaded gasoline in cars, from industrial sites or even from nearby contaminated sites.
- Teach your family to wipe and remove their shoes by the front door.
Doors:
- Lead-based paint was often used on doors and door frames. Check doors and hinges for peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking or damaged paint because lead dust can be created when you open and close doors and painted surfaces rub together.
Windows and Window Sills:
- Check windows, including window sills, both inside and outside your home. Lead dust can be created and build up where painted surfaces rub and bump together, like when you open and close your windows.
Inside the Home
Water:
- Water lines and plumbing may contain lead. Contact your water utility or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead. Since you cannot see, smell or taste lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of telling whether there is lead in your drinking water. Boiling your water will not get rid of lead and can increase the lead concentration in the water.
Vinyl Mini-Blinds:
- Some imported, non-glossy vinyl mini-blinds can be a lead hazard. Sunlight and heat can break down the blinds and may release lead-contaminated dust.
Doors:
- Lead-based paint was often used on doors and door frames. Check doors and hinges for peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking or damaged paint because lead dust can be created when you open and close doors and painted surfaces rub together.
Older Painted Built-Ins:
- If your home was built before 1978, lead-based paint may have been used for built-in bookcases and shelves. Check for any peeling, cracking or chipped paint.
Baseboards and Walls:
- Check baseboards and walls for peeling, cracking or chipped paint. Be careful of generating dust when hammering or sanding walls that may have lead-based paint. When you think you may have lead-based paint, it may be best to hire a trained lead-safe certified RRP contractor.
Staircases and Banisters:
- If you have older painted stairs and banisters, check them for any peeling, cracking or chipped paint from wear and tear over the years.