Lead paint is a common but dangerous substance found in many older homes. When disturbed, it can create dust that leads to brain damage, learning disabilities, and other serious health issues, especially for children and pregnant people. Because of these risks, contractors working on homes built before 1978 must follow EPA lead-safe renovation practices and often start by testing for lead paint.
In the segment, paint expert Mauro Henrique explains that he typically assumes any home built before 1978 contains lead paint. From there, the next step is to test the painted surfaces—or work using lead-safe practices if testing isn’t done.
Two common testing options include:
- Rapid DIY lead test kits that provide quick results
- Professional testing using handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers
Understanding how these methods work can help homeowners decide when a quick screening test is enough—and when it’s worth calling in a professional.
When is Lead Paint a Concern?
Lead-based paint was widely used in homes until the late 1970’s.
Homes built before 1978: Lead paint was banned in residential use in the United States in 1978. Homes built before then may still contain it. The older the home, the more likely it is to contain lead‑based paint on at least some surfaces.
Unknown home age: If you’re unsure when your home was built, it’s safest to assume that lead paint could be present.
Lead exposure is especially concerning for certain people in the home:
- Young children: Those under 6 are at the highest risk. Their bodies absorb lead more readily than adults’ do, and even small amounts can affect brain development, behavior, and learning. Because children often play on floors and put their hands in their mouths, they’re more likely to ingest lead dust.
- Pregnant people: Lead exposure during pregnancy can pass through the bloodstream to the developing baby. This can increase the risk of developmental problems, premature birth, and other health concerns.
However, the biggest danger isn’t the presence of the paint itself—it’s what happens when it’s disturbed.
- Intact lead paint: Paint in good condition and not disturbed generally poses less risk.
- Chipped, peeling, or sanded paint: When lead‑painted surfaces chip, peel, or are sanded and cut during renovation, they can release fine dust and chips that are easy to inhale or ingest. Even something as simple as bumping deteriorating paint can release lead dust into the air.
That’s why it’s especially important to test for lead or follow lead-safe practices before starting repair or renovation work in older homes—particularly if young children or pregnant people live there. Or treat the paint as lead-based and work lead-safe from the beginning.
How to Test for Lead Paint
There are several ways to test painted surfaces for lead. In the segment, Mauro shows Kevin two common approaches:
- DIY lead test kits that give fast results and are often used for quick screening.
- Handheld XRF analyzers are used by certified professionals for fast, highly accurate readings.
Each method has its place depending on the situation.
DIY Lead Test Kits
Rapid DIY lead test kits are one of the simplest ways to screen for lead paint. Most work by rubbing a swab on the paint, and the paint will change color if lead is present.
There are currently three test kits that are recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. They are available for purchase for professionals and homeowners.
It’s important to closely follow the kit manufacturer’s directions and exercise lead-safe practices by assuming every sample contains lead when testing.
General Steps for Using a DIY Lead Test Kit
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions
- Instructions will vary by manufacturer. Follow the directions that came with the test kit for accurate results.
- Clean your tools
- Use an alcohol wipe to clean the utility knife blade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Clean the test area
- Wipe the painted surface with a damp cloth and/or clean it using a HEPA vacuum to remove dust and debris.
- Cut through the paint layers
- Use the knife to cut a small diagonal notch through the paint layers until you reach the base material. This exposes all layers of paint, not just the topcoat.
- Activate the swab
Inside the swab Mauro used, were two small glass vials containing chemicals. Crush the marked points on the swab to break the vials and mix the chemicals.
- Shake and prepare the swab
- Shake the swab tip downward a couple of times. Squeeze the tube until a drop of reagent appears at the tip.
- Test the paint
- Rub the swab firmly on the cut surface for about 30 seconds.
- Read the result
- Pink or red: Lead is present.
- No color change: Lead was not detected in that spot.
Swab kits typically produce results in about 30 seconds, making them useful for quick spot checks before small projects.
However, Mauro points out some limitations:
- Results depend on proper technique.
- They only indicate presence or absence, not the amount of lead present.
- They can’t efficiently evaluate large areas.
- Because of this, they’re best used as an initial screening tool.
- Handheld XRF Analyzer
For the most accurate testing, professionals often use a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer.
These instruments enable certified lead inspectors and risk assessors to quickly test painted surfaces without cutting or damaging them.
How an XRF Analyzer Works
An XRF analyzer is a non-destructive tool that identifies the elements in a material.
- The inspector places the scanner against the painted surface.
- The device emits a very small, controlled X-ray beam.
- Atoms in the paint emit secondary X-rays unique to each element.
- The detector reads those signals and identifies elements such as lead.
- The analyzer then displays a numeric reading of the lead concentration in the paint.
Advantages of XRF Testing
Professional XRF testing has several benefits:
- Non-destructive: No scraping or cutting is required.
- Faster whole-house assessment: Many surfaces can be tested quickly.
- Detects buried layers: It can identify lead even under newer paint coats.
- Quantifies lead levels: It measures how much lead is present, not just whether it exists.
Because these devices use specialized technology and require training, they’re typically used only by certified inspectors or risk assessors.
Mauro recommends hiring a professional with an XRF analyzer if:
• You’re planning a large renovation
• You want to test many surfaces throughout the home
• Young children live in the house
• You want a complete lead hazard assessment
Certified inspectors can often quickly evaluate an entire home and advise on whether remediation or lead-safe renovation practices are needed.
Resources
Niton handheld XRF analyzer and expert knowledge provided by:
Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer
Niton XL2 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer
Professional handheld XRF analyzer for fast elemental analysis, including lead in paint inspection.
Lead Test Kits
Luxfer LeadCheck Swabs
EPA‑recognized swab‑style lead test kit that provides rapid color‑change results to detect lead‑based paint on multiple surfaces.
List of EPA-Recognized Lead Test Kits
EPA’s current list of lead test kits recognized for use by trained professionals under the RRP Rule
Additional Information
Lead-safe renovation information for DIYers
EPA’s guide to planning and completing DIY projects in pre‑1978 homes using lead‑safe work practices
EPA’s certified lead-based paint professional locator
