We’re going to do a kitchen remodeling project in the fall to open out to our renovated living room. Since we’re taking down a wall, I want to know about lead testing. How do you get a lead test done? What does it cost? Can I do it myself?
Arlo E. ~ Miami, Florida
Arlo, if you are going to be removing interior walls from your home as part of a kitchen remodeling project, then it is a prudent decision to test for the presence of lead paint on the wall which you are planning to remove. Prior to the 1970’s, most paint contained lead, which has since been deemed harmful to people when swallowed or inhaled. Many of the unsuspecting victims of lead poisoning have been small children who accidentally ingest lead paint chips and others who have inhaled lead paint dust during remodeling or construction projects.
There are many reputable companies that sell DIY home test kits which generally cost between $15 and $45. Unfortunately many of these lead tests can only detect surface lead, which means that they may not be able to detect old lead paint that has been recently painted over. If you know the paint on your home’s walls was originally applied prior to the 1970’s, but has since been repainted, then I suggest you consult a lead paint mitigation specialist who works in the Miami area to conduct the test for you.
A couple additional facts to know- the store bought test kits are really not worth the investment because, for one, they are known to have up to 40% failure rate and, for two, they do not work on drywall or plaster due to the sulfur content in both. You’re better off hiring a risk assessor for 2 or 3 hundred bucks to do more accurate testing. Also, one correction on the above post- only 25% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 are known to have lead based paint present. The odds go up on homes built prior to 1960. (built between 1940-1960 66%, built before 1940 88%)
If you do use the store bought test kit you should scrape a small area of paint to expose all layers down to bare wood.
you could asume theres lead. then save on the lead test. treat it like lead and give the peaple doing the wark a few hudred more lead asesers will want more then acuple hundred dollers