Home Health Inspections LLC

📞 Service Area Statement:

We proudly serve clients throughout Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties — and will travel anywhere within Washington State as needed.

*Additional travel fees may apply for inspections outside our primary service region.

Lead (in paint or water)

Lead in the Home – A Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding Paint and Water Risks

What is Lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that was once widely used in household products, especially paint and plumbing materials. While its use has been banned or restricted in many countries, it is still found in older homes and can pose serious health risks.

  • Lead is toxic to humans, especially children.
  • It can enter the body through breathing in dust, swallowing contaminated paint chips, or drinking water from pipes that contain lead.
  • Even small amounts of lead exposure can have lasting health effects.

Where Does Lead Come From in the Home?

The most common household sources of lead are:

  • Lead-based paint: homes built before 1978 in the U.S. (and earlier in other countries) often contain lead paint on walls, trim, doors, and windows. As the paint deteriorates, it creates dust and chips that can be inhaled or ingested.
  • Drinking water: older plumbing may contain lead pipes, solder, or fixtures that leach lead into water, especially when water is corrosive or sits in pipes for long periods.
  • Soil contamination: outside the home, soil near older houses or industrial areas may contain lead dust from deteriorating paint or past pollution.
  • Household items: some antiques, imported pottery, toys, or cookware may also contain lead-based glazes or coatings.

Even if your home looks clean and well-maintained, lead can be present in invisible dust or inside pipes.

Why is Lead Dangerous?

Lead is harmful because it builds up in the body over time and disrupts key systems, especially in children.

  • In children: lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, attention problems, behavioral issues, stunted growth, and hearing loss.
  • In adults: it may lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems, mood disorders, reproductive issues, and memory problems.
  • Pregnant women: lead exposure can pass from mother to baby, increasing the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues.

Because the body mistakes lead for calcium, it can become stored in bones and teeth, slowly releasing into the bloodstream over years.

Why Should Homeowners Care About Lead?

Lead exposure is particularly concerning because:

  • It has no obvious warning signs — people may not feel sick until the damage has already occurred.
  • Children are most at risk — their developing bodies absorb lead more easily and suffer greater harm.
  • Older homes are common sources — millions of houses still contain lead-based paint and plumbing.

If your home was built before 1978 or has old plumbing, lead should be a top concern.

What if Lead is Found in My Home?

If lead hazards are identified in paint, water, or soil, there are steps you can take to reduce risks:

  • Paint hazards: never sand or dry-scrape peeling lead paint, as it creates toxic dust. Instead, have it safely removed, encapsulated, or replaced by a certified professional.
  • Water hazards: install certified water filters designed to remove lead, or replace lead pipes and fixtures. Flushing taps before use (especially after water has been sitting) can also reduce exposure.
  • Cleaning and maintenance: regularly wet-wipe floors and surfaces to reduce lead dust, and wash children’s hands and toys frequently.

Professional lead abatement specialists are trained to safely handle and remove lead sources without spreading contamination.

Tips for Reducing Lead Risks

  • If your home was built before 1978, assume lead paint may be present unless proven otherwise.
  • Use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water is more likely to leach lead from pipes.
  • Have your water tested if you suspect lead plumbing.
  • Do not disturb old paint during renovations without proper safety measures.
  • Teach children to wash hands often, especially before eating.
  • Avoid using imported or antique dishware unless certified lead-free.

The Bottom Line

Lead is a serious household hazard that can cause lifelong health problems, especially for children and pregnant women.

  • Older homes and plumbing systems are the biggest risks.
  • Even small amounts of exposure are harmful — there is no safe level of lead in the body.
  • Prevention is key: testing and professional remediation can make your home safer.

A Home Health Inspection that includes lead testing in both paint and water helps identify hidden risks and gives you the information you need to protect your family.