The use of lead for paint has been banned by the Federal Government since the late 1970's. However, it has been found that 22 million homes in America suffer from severe lead paint contamination, with another 25 million containing some traces of lead. Lead has been used at levels from about 20 to 50% by weight. These statistics should cause alarm to homeowners considering the ill effects of lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning effects are not universal. It is wide-ranging in terms of side effects, and manifestations can vary from one person to another. Side effects related to lead poisoning include chronic headaches, kidney problems, seizures, high blood pressure, mental retardation, stunted growth, hearing problems, hyperactivity, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, high blood pressure, coma, and many others.

Lead can get inside the body if they are ingested through the mouth or breathed in as lead dust. It causes even more dangers to children and babies, who are known to absorb more lead. Lead is odorless, colorless and tasteless, making them very difficult to detect even when in great amounts.

With lead paint home inspection, a comprehensive survey is performed in order to determine the presence and locate areas that can pose as lead paint hazards in the home or building. It includes sampling of all the painted areas and surfaces in both the exterior and interior of the house or building. A lead inspection also includes a risk assessment in order to evaluate potential sources of lead intoxication in the home. The current condition of the paint around the house will be noted as dust from chipping, peeling or chalking paint is reported to be one of the most common sources of lead exposure and poisoning, especially in young children.

Federal and state laws have mandated that buyers of properties constructed after 1978 should be given the chance to do some lead inspection or hire lead inspection services. This can be done within 10 days of signing a purchase agreement. If a lead paint inspection has already done on the property in question, the seller must furnish the buyer a copy of the report for confirmation purposes. Sellers are not obliged to perform lead mitigation procedures (unless a child below 6 years old intends to reside in it).

Lead paint inspections are almost always conducted at the request of the buyers. Sometimes, buyers even choose to have it performed out of their own pockets. Lead inspections are usually not part of comprehensive general home inspection procedures, and are charged separately.

An objective lead inspection is very important because it provides both sellers and buyers with an honest, objective, unbiased assessment on the presence or absence of lead. With a lead inspection procedure, buyers will be informed about the extent of the risk, possible treatment methods and the extent of de-leading necessary. On the other hand, lead inspection can also provide sellers with the opportunity to correct this defect beforehand and avoid unfavorable price negotiations.

A lead paint inspection is very important especially if you have young children in the home or building. Make sure you hire a lead testing service that is accredited by the state as lead paint inspection service provider.