Submitted by Sandra Hanis

Buyers agents are often confronted with the issue of lead based paint in homes built before 1978. We find that buyers in the Northwest are typically not overly concerned with the issue and most people who are looking at older homes are aware that it will be an issue in their purchase. I have had buyers do their own testing ( not always effective) or you can employ many accredited lead based paint inspectors. This inspection is not usually part of the standard home inspection. An excellent source of information is available at our links at www.roblevy.com.

 

This source tell us that 2/3 of homes built before 1940 and 1/2 of the homes built from 1940-1960 probably contain lead paint on the interior or exterior. Some homes built after 1960 also contain lead paint. In 1978 the product safety commission mandated only a trace amount to be acceptable in paint manufacture. If there will be infants or pregnant women in the home, it is a good idea to have it tested before removing or disturbing the paint surface. It is often thought that painting over the surface will contain the paint and that is not true. The old paint can loosen and release lead dust. The most important thing is to be aware that it can be a hazard though something that can be dealt with in an effective way with little knowledge and care.