According to the EPA, it is estimated that lead-based paint was applied to approximately two-thirds of the homes built in the United States before 1940, one-third of the homes from 1940 to 1960 and an undetermined but smaller percentage of homes built since 1960.

Lead can enter the air within a home when surfaces covered with lead-based paint are scraped, sanded or heated with an open flame in paint stripping procedures. Once released into the home atmosphere, the lead particles circulate into the air and can be inhaled or ingested through the mouth and/or nose. Lead particles freed in fine dust or vapors settle into carpet fibers or fabric and can be re-circulated into the air by normal household cleaning (such as: sweeping, and dusting) and normal hand-to-mouth behavior of young children, which can result in the ingestion of potentially harmful lead.

It is best to leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition and there is little possibility that it will be ingested by children. Other procedures include: covering the paint with wallpaper or some other building material or completely replacing the painted surface by a professional.

The only way to determine if paint in a home contains lead is to test for it. Testing should ALWAYS be done by a certified and/or licensed lead inspector.

Each BrickKicker franchisee is independently owned and operated. This is an optional service that may not be offered in your area. Please contact your local BrickKicker to determine if this service is available.