Lead paint

Lead paint, which was prized for its durability, was used in high traffic and high moisture areas until it was banned in for residential use 1978. Before about 1940, often 10 percent to as much as 50 percent of a can of paint was lead. By the 1950s, manufacturers had begun decreasing the amount of lead in paint. If your paint has an alligator-cracking pattern or rubs off in your hands in a chalky fashion, it probably contains lead. Unless testing proves the absence of lead, health officials recommend that people assume that painted surfaces in homes built before 1978 may contain some lead. Removing lead paint can create more problems than leaving it intact. Lead paint in good shape generally should not be removed. Lead paint that is chipping, peeling and cracking needs to be addressed. Even if your lead-painted windows or doors aren't chipping, you could have a problem. The friction from opening and shutting a door or window produces lead dust.

If you are going to remove lead paint, learn how to do so safely. Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint. These create large amounts of lead dust and fumes that can remain in your home for a long time. Even if you do not have children, sandblasting or pressure washing the outside of your home may harm your neighbor's children.

To remove paint

Educate yourself about safe practices. Wet down the paint before you scrape or sand it. A power sander should have a hood to trap dust and a HEPA vacuum attachment. Cover ground or floors with drop clothes that can be discarded.
Temporarily move children, pregnant women and pets out of a home during renovation or paint removal.
Clean area with soap and water before allowing them back. If you can't move them out, seal off work area.

Places where lead paint is likely to be found include:

• Porches
• Windows   
• Railing
• Stairs
• Some older furniture and toys
• Baseboards
• Trim    
• Columns
• Exterior house paint.