How to Detect Lead Paint on Concrete
Lead paint is an important safety concern for homeowners, especially if the home's concrete floors or walls were painted before 1960. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that lead paint can cause high blood pressure, joint pain and a number of other illnesses in adults and children. If an area in your home---specifically a painted concrete floor or wall---is of concern, you can send a sample of the paint to a testing lab. Use the lab's testing kit to obtain the sample to be evaluated. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact an EPA-approved lab to obtain a testing kit. You can call the EPA at 1-800-424-LEAD for information on reputable labs.
-
2
Choose an obscure spot from which to remove a paint sample. Clean the concrete thoroughly with clean water and a rag to remove any dust and debris that might hinder the test results.
-
-
3
Scrape a sample of paint. Paint will be firmly stuck to the concrete. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to warm the paint to make it more flexible and easier to scrape. Work the scraper underneath a corner of paint and push up firmly from the floor or wall. Wear clean rubber gloves while handling the sample. Most labs will require at least a 2-by-2-inch sample for testing. Consult your test kit's instructions for specifics.
-
4
Place the paint in the lab-provided bag. Return the sample, a self-addressed envelope and payment to the lab. Results typically take two to three weeks to process.
-
5
Review your results. Lab results should be easy to read and should include a percentage of lead found in the sample. If you have any trouble deciphering the results, call the lab for clarification.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Home test kits are available that claim to instantly test for lead in your home. The EPA does not endorse these products. There has not been sufficient testing to know if these tests are reliable. In addition, most of these home tests do not give a percentage of lead and are, therefore, less informative.
