Is Your Home Hiding Lead?

Surprising Places Lead Paint Still Lingers

For decades, lead was a common ingredient in household paint, prized for its durability and vibrant color. But what we know now is clear: lead exposure, especially from old paint, can cause serious health issues, particularly for children. Even though lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, many homes built before then still contain it in places you may not expect.

If you live in a house built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance lead is still around. Here’s where it may be hiding:


Common Places Lead Paint Still Lingers

  1. Trim and Woodwork
    Baseboards, window sills, and door frames were often coated in durable lead paint. As these surfaces chip or wear, they release dangerous dust.
  2. Old Windows and Doors
    Friction points - like where windows slide or doors close - are one of the biggest culprits for creating lead dust in older homes.
  3. Kitchens and Bathrooms
    Cabinets, cupboards, and built-in shelves may still carry their original layers of paint beneath newer coats. Moisture and steam can cause that paint to deteriorate.
  4. Exterior Surfaces
    Siding, porches, and fences painted before the late 1970s may contain lead. Weathering and peeling paint can spread lead dust into soil where children and pets play.
  5. Hidden Layers
    Even if your walls were repainted in the 1990s or 2000s, older layers of lead-based paint may still be underneath. Any sanding or remodeling can disturb it.


Why Lead Testing Matters

Lead dust is nearly invisible and easily inhaled or ingested. In children, exposure can affect brain development, behavior, and learning. In adults, it can cause high blood pressure, kidney issues, and reproductive problems.

The only way to know for sure if your home has lead paint is through testing. Professional lead inspections use EPA-approved methods to detect even hidden layers safely.


When to Test for Lead

  • Before remodeling or sanding: Disturbing old paint is the fastest way to release lead dust.
  • If your home was built before 1978: Assume there could be lead until proven otherwise.
  • If you notice chipping, peeling, or damaged paint: Especially around windows, doors, and trim.
  • When buying or selling an older home: A lead test can protect both your family and your investment.


Protect Your Home and Family

If testing confirms the presence of lead, remediation options are available. Certified professionals can safely remove or encapsulate lead paint, reducing exposure risk without putting your family at risk.

At Johnny on the Spot Environmental, we provide professional lead testing and abatement services across Southwest Idaho and Eastern Oregon. Our certified team ensures your home is safe, compliant, and healthy for your family.


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