Did you know that lead in paint wasn’t banned from use until 1978? This means lead still exists in the interior paint in many older homes that haven’t updated the interior paint.

Do you suspect lead in the interior paint on the walls of your home? If so, it might be a good time to dive into the dangers, look for the signs, and update your home’s interior paint with safer options.

Chances of Lead in Paint

What are the chances your interior paint contains lead? Well, if your home was built before 1960, there is almost a 100 percent chance lead is in the paint. If your home was built between 1960 and 1977, the chance of lead in the paint decreases to 24 percent. The next step is to look for any signs of lead in your home’s paint.

Signs  of Lead in Paint

It is actually quite easy to tell if there is lead in the interior paint of your home. From peeling paint to cracked paint, paint with lead is usually oil-based, so it is known to contract and expand, which causes the paint to peel and crack easily.

Source: Sherwin Williams

Peels & Cracks

One of the biggest signs of lead in paint is cracks. This is also known as “alligatoring”, which is a technical term for a geometric pattern. It starts out as small patches and the cracks grow wider over time then form scales resembling alligators (hence the name). Chipped or peeling paint is also a sign of lead in paint.

Sublayers of lead paint deteriorate, so the old layers start to peel and chip. When there are multiple layers of paint, it is always best to strip any old paint before applying new paint. The first spot of peeling or chipped paint usually starts around window sills and door frames.

Dangers of Lead Paint

Lead in paint can cause many health issues and illnesses. These illnesses include lead poisoning, which can build up over time.

Symptoms in adults include:

• joint/muscle pain
• difficulty with memory/concentration
• headaches
• abdominal pain
• mood disorder

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to get medical attention right away.

Safe Alternatives to Lead Paint

Interior paint has come a long way since the 1960s and 1970s. Now, there are many safe, non-toxic options that are also eco-friendly to use over lead paint. The best part? Painting companies are catering to consumers and just about every color under the sun is available in these safe alternatives.

Get a Free Estimate from East Valley Painters

Ready to update the paint in your home? Call up East Valley Painters to schedule a consultation today. We take pride in using only professional-grade paint and techniques. Just click below to contact us or to learn more about our painting company. East Valley Painters, serving Sun Lakes, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Chandler, and East Valley cities for the past 30 years.

Feature photo source: The Spruce