Is it Safe to Live in a House With Lead Paint? A Homeowner's Guide to Lead Exposure, Risks, and Solutions

When you're buying, selling, or living in a home built before 1978, the question inevitably arises: Is it safe to live in a house with lead paint?

The short answer is: it depends,  primarily on the condition of the lead paint, how it's maintained, and specific factors in your home and lifestyle. If the paint is intact and not chipping or peeling, and if you follow proper precautions, it is often possible to live safely in a home with lead paint. That said, it's important to take the risks seriously, identify any lead hazards, and take the right steps to protect yourself and your family.

As trusted remodeling professionals in Central New York with decades of experience, McClurg knows that peace of mind comes from understanding the risks and knowing how to properly manage them.

This guide explains the health risks, how to identify lead hazards, what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says about lead contamination, and how professional lead removal and safe practices can make a home with lead paint livable.

What Happens If You Live in a House With Lead Paint?

Living in a house with lead paint can expose your family to lead poisoning, especially if the paint is deteriorating or disturbed. Lead exposure often occurs through lead dust, which can come from flaking lead-based paint, paint chips, or renovations that disturb painted surfaces like window sills, door frames, or walls. Disturbing lead paint can create dangerous lead dust. If inhaled or ingested, this dust can lead to behavioral problems, high blood pressure, learning disabilities, and damage to vital organs.

How Dangerous is Lead Paint Inside Your House?

Lead-based paint hazards pose the greatest threat when the paint is chipping, peeling, or disturbed by renovations. Lead contamination can spread into household dust, carpets, air conditioning systems, or even into lead-contaminated soil outside your home. Activities that disturb lead paint can create dust that contains toxic lead particles. This makes even play areas for children risky without proper lead safe work practices and certified contractors.

How Long Does It Take for Lead Paint to Harm You?

Lead poisoning can develop over weeks or months of repeated exposure. It's not always immediate, and symptoms often go unnoticed until blood lead levels are tested. Lead dust is invisible and odorless, so exposure can happen even in homes that appear to be in good shape. The most vulnerable, especially children, absorb more lead, faster, and experience permanent health risks.

Is Lead Paint Still Toxic If Painted Over?

Encapsulation, or painting over lead-based paint, can temporarily reduce the risk—but it’s not a permanent solution. If the surface beneath the new paint is unstable or begins to chip, it can still create toxic lead dust. High-traffic areas like window frames or doorways are especially susceptible to wear. Over time, disturbing these painted surfaces without protective clothing and personal protective equipment increases the risk as lead dust can re-enter the air.

How to Identify Lead Paint in Your Home

If your house was built before 1978, there’s a strong chance it contains heavily leaded paint. Approximately three-quarters of homes built before that year have some lead paint. The best way to know for sure is by using a lead paint test or hiring a professional to conduct a thorough lead inspection.

EPA-recognized lead test kits are available for purchase at paint and hardware stores. For peace of mind and safety, we recommend working with certified professionals and contractors.

Can Kids Live in a House With Lead Paint?

Children are the most susceptible to lead poisoning due to their developing brains and tendency to put things in their mouths. Protecting your child from lead exposure is crucial. Even small amounts of lead dust or paint chips can have lifelong effects, including learning disabilities and behavioral issues. If the paint is in good condition, undisturbed, and sealed, the risk may be lower, but it’s still wise to get a professional inspection and follow lead-safe work practices to ensure the home is truly safe for children.

Should I Buy a House With Lead-Based Paint?

It’s not unusual to find lead paint in older homes, especially in the Syracuse area and Central New York. Buying a house with lead-based paint isn’t automatically a deal-breaker, but you should go into the process informed. If the lead-based paint is in good condition, and you have a plan for regular maintenance and lead removal if necessary, the risks can be managed.

Working with an experienced contractor like McClurg allows you to make confident decisions about the health risks and long-term safety of your investment, especially regarding the presence of lead.

Is Lead Paint in Apartments Harmful to Tenants?

Yes, lead paint in apartments can be harmful—especially if the unit has flaking lead-based paint, or if repairs have disturbed painted surfaces that contain lead without proper containment. Tenants have the right to request testing and should be given information about any known lead hazards. If you live in an apartment with potential lead exposure, contact your landlord and request a lead paint test.

Am I Overreacting to Lead-Based Paint Inquiry in Buying a Home?

Absolutely not. Concerns about lead-based paint are legitimate, and asking the right questions during a home purchase shows you're informed and protecting your family. Lead hazards are often invisible, and proactive buyers help raise the standard for safe housing.

Is It Really As Dangerous As They Make It Out To Be?

In a word: yes. Lead exposure is a proven cause of serious health problems, especially in children, pregnant women, and older adults. While some homes have little risk if the paint is in good condition, others with peeling paint, forced air heating, or renovations underway can pose the greatest threat to your family’s health, affecting the brain and other vital organs.

How Risky is the Lead-Based Paint in My Older Home?

The risk depends on a few factors: the condition of the paint, the age of the home, and whether any recent repairs or renovations have disturbed painted surfaces. If your home was built before 1978 and you’re unsure about the paint’s condition, it’s time for a professional assessment. Our team at McClurg can inspect and guide you through safe next steps, including addressing potential lead hazards in drinking water.

Why Lead Paint Matters in Syracuse and Onondaga County

According to the City of Syracuse, lead poisoning remains a serious public health issue locally. Onondaga County has been actively training contractors to reduce childhood lead exposure. Programs like these emphasize the importance of certified contractors using EPA-approved procedures, which are crucial for effective disease control and reducing childhood lead exposure.

At McClurg, we are proud to align our remodeling work with these standards,  protecting the families we serve and ensuring that our job sites meet or exceed every requirement.

Lead Paint Safety Tips: Protect Your Family Now

• Use HEPA filters in your HVAC system to trap lead dust

• Cover floors with heavy plastic sheeting before painting or renovating

• Clean surfaces with paper towels and water, not dry sweeping

• Avoid sanding or scraping painted areas unless you’re using proper protective equipment

• Keep children and pets away from the job site

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating

• Check for lead in water pipes and consider using a water filter to reduce lead exposure from drinking water

These simple steps help reduce exposure to toxic lead dust while you’re waiting for professional remediation or preparing for renovations.

More FAQs About Lead Paint and Homeownership

What if I know there is lead-based paint in my home?

If you already know your home contains lead-based paint, it’s important to monitor its condition and be aware of the presence of lead hazards. Schedule a professional inspection to assess the lead hazards and determine if lead removal or encapsulation is necessary.

Where can I find a qualified professional to conduct an inspection?

You can find certified lead inspectors through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or use a lead test kit for initial assessment, but working with a trusted local contractor like McClurg Remodeling for your renovations or repairs ensures a thorough and safe process.

Is the seller required to remove any lead-based paint that is discovered during an inspection?

No, federal law does not require sellers to remove lead-based paint. They are, however, required to disclose known information about lead content before sale. Buyers may then choose to negotiate for remediation or accept the home as-is, but it’s crucial to be aware of the levels of lead present.

If I am renting, do I have the same opportunity to test for lead?

Yes. Tenants can request lead testing, and landlords must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards. If you’re concerned, contact your property manager or a local housing authority to initiate a lead-safe inspection, especially if you have young children.

Must I check my house for lead prior to sale?

No, but you are required to disclose known information and provide the EPA’s “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” pamphlet to potential buyers. Testing is optional but encouraged to ensure potential buyers are fully informed about the presence of lead.

Final Thoughts

Lead paint is a serious issue, but with the right knowledge and the right team, it can be managed safely and effectively. If you're in the Central New York region and are living in or considering buying a home with lead-based paint, you don’t have to handle it alone.

You can trust our team with all your home improvement projects so you can focus on what matters most. At McClurg, we can help you reduce exposure, protect your family, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is in good hands.

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We are a design-build contractor, proudly serving Syracuse and CNY homeowners for over 45 years. If you are a Central New York homeowner and would like to discuss a home improvement project, we're just a call or message away. Contact us today!

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