Lead Paint & Asbestos in Older Homes
Older homes can contain lead paint and asbestos. They’re usually safe when left alone and in good condition, but sanding, scraping, demolition and remodeling can release them into the air.
- Homeowners
- DIY
Lead paint (homes built before 1978)
- Lead dust from sanding, scraping, heat-stripping or demolition is especially harmful to young children and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect a child’s brain development.
- Test before you disturb painted surfaces: use an EPA-recognized test kit or hire a certified inspector.
- Contractors working on pre-1978 homes must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified and follow lead-safe practices.
- If you do it yourself: keep kids and pregnant family members away, seal off the area with plastic, mist surfaces before scraping, use a HEPA vacuum, and never dry-sand, power-sand without HEPA collection, or burn paint.
Asbestos (common in homes built before about 1980)
Asbestos may be found in:
- Popcorn and textured ceilings, and some wall texture and joint compound
- Vinyl floor tiles (especially 9-inch tiles) and the black mastic under them
- Pipe and boiler insulation, duct wrap
- Vermiculite attic insulation
- Cement siding and roofing shingles
Don’t disturb suspected asbestos. Have it tested by an accredited lab, and use a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to remove it. State and local laws may restrict homeowner removal and disposal.
Standards & references
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