The Toxic History of Lead Paint and Its Heavy Repercussions

Why Was Lead Ever Used in Paints

Let’s start with a question many homeowners ask: Why would anyone put a toxic heavy metal in something easily accessible?

Well, lead has some attributes that help paint:

• Dry faster.
• Resist moisture.
• Appear brighter.
• Last longer on surfaces.

The durability of lead made it a staple in both residential and industrial paints. But even as its popularity surged, doctors and scientists were already warning about its harms. In 1943, Dr. Randolph Beyers, an American neurologist, stated that lead interfered with the normal development of central nervous system neurons.

Early Signs of Danger Were Ignored

In the early years of the 20th century, studies showed that lead exposure in children was causing serious health problems. Systems ranged from stomach pain and irritability to cognitive delays and, in extreme cases, seizures and death. Still, companies were producing lead-based paint and continued to market it to the public.

Meanwhile, in 1909, Austria, Belgium, and France became the first countries to ban lead-based interior paints.

The Peak of Lead-Based Paint Use

By the 1940s and 1950s, lead paint was everywhere in America. It coated the walls of homes, apartments, schools, playgrounds, and public buildings. If you’ve ever toured an old Victorian or a mid-century bungalow, chances are high that beneath those layers of latex is lead-based paint.

According to the National Institute of Health, 87% of housing built before 1940 contains lead-based paint. Even homes built between 1960 and 1977 aren’t free of lead. So if you are renovating an older property, it’s worth taking seriously.

When Did Lead Stop Being Used in Paint

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 1978, the federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint, but some states banned it even earlier. That was the time when the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stepped in.

But the lead paint already applied in millions of buildings didn’t just disappear. Even after the ban, many older homes and apartments still have layers of lead paint hidden underneath newer coats. 

Why It Took So Long to Ban It

Despite enough evidence about the dangers of lead-based paint, it remained legal for far too long in the U.S. This was all due to a mix of denial, lobbying, and lack of political will. Major paint manufacturers downplayed the risks and funded studies to challenge growing concerns.

This wasn’t a public health issue; it became a social justice issue. While wealthier families moved to newer homes, many inner city communities remained exposed to deteriorating paint, contaminated dust, and long-term health repercussions.

How Lead Lingers in Homes Today

You might be thinking that lead-based paint was just a matter of the past. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 34.6 million homes in the U.S. contain lead-based paint. This paint was not used only on the walls but also on:

• Windows & sills.
• Doors & trim.
• Porches & stair railings.
• Built-in cabinetry.

These are high-friction areas, which means they’re more likely to release lead dust over time.

How to Know If Your Home Has Lead-Based Paint

If your home was built before 1978, there is a strong chance that it may contain lead-based paint. This paint might be covered under many coats, but still, its presence is not safe. There are two ways to confirm the presence of this paint:

1. Use EPA-recognized lead test kits for a preliminary check.
2. Hire a certified lead inspector for a thorough inspection.

If you are planning a renovation, demolition, or even repainting, you should hire an inspector to conduct a detailed inspection.

What to Do If Lead Paint is Found in Your Home Today

Even today, many homes in the U.S. have lead-based paint. If you suspect its presence, you should hire a licensed lead inspector to identify the problematic paint. The inspection report describes the area with the paint and recommends the next step according to the condition. You may have options of:

• Encapsulation: to prevent exposure.
• Enclosure: by covering the surface.
• Removal: under strict safety protocols.
• Replacement: of entire surfaces.

Final Thoughts

The lead-paint history clearly describes that it’s a dangerous product. This paint might be out of stores, but it’s still hiding in plain sight in homes across the country. If your property was built before 1978, a simple test can prevent years of health problems.

Getting an inspection from GreenWorks Inspections, you can know about the presence of lead in your home, and if the lead dust is affecting you or your family. Get an inspection and take recommended steps to make your home lead-free.