Pipes & Drink Water

If your house is older and is still fitted with its original pipes, fittings, and plumbing fixtures, there is a chance that you could have lead in your drinking water. According to the CDC, “The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures. Household plumbing fixtures, welding solder, and pipe fittings made prior to 1986 may also contain lead.” 

If you’re unsure of whether the pipes and fixtures in your home may contain lead, the EPA-certified lead inspectors at All Phases restoration can help.

Paint

Lead-based paint hasn’t been sold since 1978. However, if you own an older home, there may be lead paint underneath the newer paint on your walls. When the lead paint is completely encapsulated by new lead-free paint, it often doesn’t present an issue. However, if you’re performing renovations or repairs, lead particles can be released into the air.

Household Dust

If you live in an older home and there is lead paint that is being disturbed, you may find dust containing lead particles throughout your home. Common reasons that lead paint gets disturbed is during repairs or renovations to areas of the home that have had older lead paint encapsulated by new lead-free paint.

Soil

Just as lead-based paint was used in the interior of the home, it was once used in exterior house paint as well. This paint can chip and end up in the soil around your home, and even be absorbed by plants in your garden. Additionally, the lead paint can be inhaled or ingested by children playing in the yard.