14 Ways to Minimize Lead Paint Exposure and Avoid Paint Poisoning in Older Homes

Test for Lead Paint
Most lead-paint poisoning results from exposure to lead paint dust. Even if you don't see any peeling paint, lead paint dust might still be present. Old doors and windows have painted parts that rub together and create dust, or there might be small amounts still present from a previous remodeling project. Testing will determine if you have a lead paint hazard. Various types of test kits are available for about $10. They're all a little different, so read and follow the directions carefully. Some come with everything you need to collect and send samples to a lab for analysis, for which you pay a separate fee ($15 to $20 per sample). Others, like 3M's LeadCheck swabs shown above, don't require lab testing. You just squeeze a swab while rubbing it onto a painted surface. If the tip of the swab turns pink or red, you've got lead. Plus, check out these best-kept secrets of professional painters. Get 3M's LeadCheck swabs on Amazon.
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