Lead paint — what to do in an older home

What to do right now

Lead paint is most dangerous when it is disturbed and creates dust or chips. If you suspect lead paint in an older home, do not sand, scrape, cut, drill, or demolish the area yourself.

Keep children, pregnant people, and pets away from peeling paint, paint chips, and renovation areas. If possible, close the door, limit traffic, and avoid sweeping dust around.

1. Stop any work that could disturb the paint.
2. Keep people and pets away from the area.
3. Do not dry-sand, power-sand, scrape, or tear material out.
4. Arrange testing by a certified lead professional before any repair or renovation.

If you are worried that a child may already have been exposed to lead, contact a doctor or your local health department. Abatewell is a free matching and directory service only. We do not test, inspect, remove, or abate lead paint.

Why lead paint matters

Lead was commonly used in residential paint before 1978. Paint that is intact and undisturbed may pose less immediate risk, but peeling, chipping, friction surfaces like windows and doors, and renovation work can create lead dust that is easy to breathe in or swallow.

Young children are at the highest risk because they crawl, touch surfaces, and put hands or objects in their mouths. Lead exposure can also be a concern for pregnant people. Health effects depend on the amount and length of exposure, and a doctor is the right person to advise on any medical concerns.

This does not mean every older home is an emergency. It does mean you should take suspected lead paint seriously, avoid disturbing it, and get clear answers before starting work. You can also learn more about common older-home hazards at Hazards.

How lead paint testing works

A certified professional can help determine whether lead is present and what the next step should be. Depending on your situation, testing may involve an inspection, portable XRF screening, dust sampling, paint-chip sampling, or lab analysis by an accredited laboratory.

Testing is especially important before renovation, repair, repainting prep, window replacement, demolition, or a home sale negotiation. The goal is to identify where the hazard is, whether lead dust is present, and whether the material can be safely managed, repaired, enclosed, or needs full abatement.

Do not rely on guesswork alone. Home test kits may not be enough for a major decision, a renovation project, or a real-estate transaction. A certified lead professional can explain the scope, sampling method, and what the results mean for your home.

What the law usually requires

Lead paint and asbestos work are heavily regulated. In pre-1978 homes, contractors who disturb painted surfaces during renovation, repair, or painting generally need EPA Lead RRP certification, and they must use lead-safe work practices to control dust and protect occupants.

If another material in the home may contain asbestos, asbestos work is usually controlled by separate state licensing rules. Asbestos abatement commonly requires specific containment, worker protection, and disposal procedures. If you are also worried about pipe wrap, old floor tile, textured material, or insulation, see how asbestos testing works.

For both hazards, proper containment and disposal matter. A real professional should be able to explain how they will isolate the area, reduce dust, clean up correctly, and dispose of waste according to local and state rules. Always verify a contractor's certification, state license if required, and insurance yourself with your state agency or the EPA before work begins.

This page is general educational information, not legal or regulatory advice. Exact rules vary by state, city, building type, and the kind of work being done.

Lead paint repair and abatement costs

Costs vary a lot based on the material, how much area is affected, access, your location, whether testing is already done, and what kind of containment and disposal are required. These ranges are general only and are not quotes.

Testing may cost a few hundred dollars for a small visit and more for larger homes, multiple samples, dust testing, or written reports. Lead-safe repair work may range from hundreds to several thousand dollars depending on the number of surfaces and the amount of prep and cleanup. Full lead abatement can cost several thousand dollars and may be much more for large homes, many windows, extensive deterioration, or multi-room projects.

If you want a broader view of pricing, visit Costs. The right question is not only "How cheap is it?" but also "Are they properly certified, using containment, and following the rules?" A low price that skips safety steps can create a bigger hazard.

Red flags to watch for:
- No EPA lead certification for pre-1978 paint-disturbing work
- No written scope of work or no proof of insurance
- "We'll just scrape or sand it off"
- No containment or cleanup plan
- Cash-only demands or pressure to sign immediately
- Scare tactics instead of clear answers

How to find a certified professional safely

Start with testing before removal whenever possible. A qualified lead professional can help you understand whether the painted surface is a current hazard, whether interim controls may be appropriate, or whether abatement is needed.

When you speak with a company, ask plain questions: Are you EPA Lead RRP certified? Who will do the work? How will you contain dust? Will you provide a written scope and price? How will cleanup and waste disposal be handled? If asbestos might also be involved, ask about state asbestos licensing and whether separate testing is needed.

Abatewell is a free matching and directory service for homeowners and renters. We are not a contractor, testing lab, or law firm, and we do not inspect, test, remove, or abate anything. We can help you find professionals near you, and it is always your job to verify their certification, license, and insurance yourself.

To get started, use Get matched. We only collect basic contact and project details such as your name, phone, optional email, concern type, ZIP code, rough home age, and preferred language.