Many young families assume lead paint is a problem of the distant past. After all, lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978. But in northeast Ohio and surrounding counties, many homes were built well before that date.
Even homes that have been remodeled may still contain layers of older lead painting beneath newer coats.
If you have young children in the home or unexplained health concerns, understanding the risks of lead exposure is essential.
Lead-based paint was widely used in:
In older homes throughout Tuscarawas, Stark, Wayne, and surrounding counties, it’s common to find multiple paint layers. Renovations often cover old paint rather than remove it.
The risk increases when paint begins to deteriorate.
Lead is a neurotoxin. Even small amounts of exposure can impact:
Young children are especially vulnerable because they crawl, touch surfaces frequently, and put their hands in their mouths.
Lead dust, not large paint chips, is often the primary source of exposure.
Lead paint does not have a unique appearance. You cannot identify it just by looking.
However, warning signs include:
Parents often confuse minor discoloration or surface spots with mold. Some ask, what does mildew look like, when trying to determine whether wall spots are mold or something else.
Unlike mildew or green mold, lead paint hazards usually involve dust, not visible growth. The danger is often invisible.
Disturbing old paint during remodeling, sanding, or demolition can release lead particles into the air.
Without proper containment and filtration:
If you’re planning renovations in an older home, testing before work begins is critical.
If your home was built before 1978 and has never been tested, it’s worth considering, especially if:
Professional testing identifies whether lead is present and where it’s located. From there, you can make informed decisions about encapsulation or removal.
There are two primary approaches:
Encapsulation
Sealing lead paint with a special coating to prevent dust release.
Removal or Abatement
Safely removing contaminated materials under strict containment procedures.
The correct approach depends on the condition of the paint and your renovation plans.
In high-income areas with modern updates, it’s easy to assume risks have already been handled. But many homes have layers of history hidden behind fresh finishes.
For young families, especially those dealing with unexplained developmental or health concerns, ruling out environmental contributors like lead is an important step.
Lead painting may feel like an outdated issue, but in older homes across Ohio, it’s still relevant. Unlike mildew or green mold, which you can see and clean, lead exposure is often invisible and long-term.
If you’re unsure about your home’s history or planning renovations, testing provides clarity. When it comes to your family’s health, assumptions aren’t enough. Contact Farsight Management today!
At Farsight Management we understand that not all indoor air quality companies are created equal.
We feel that it is imperative to educate ourselves, our employees, and our customers. You can trust that we follow all the national standards in regards to indoor air quality. This includes mold remediation, lead abatement, asbestos removal, and everything that we do.