In a nutshell, lead is a metallic element that's also classified as a neurotoxin. That's because it's been linked to health issues and abnormalities in both children and adults. For instance, it can cause high blood pressure and memory loss in adults, as well as behavioral and learning issues in children. As such, lead inspections are important as they help you identify areas in your home that contain harmful amounts of lead.

Who Should Seek the Services of a Lead Inspection Company?

Typically, lead has been used for many things, including:

• Paint - Lead-based paint was commonly used in the late 1900s to paint the walls, doors, ceiling, and other surfaces. However, the home's occupiers become exposed to the lead once it peels and cracks.
• Piping - Water contamination from lead pipes is common, meaning the water coming from the kitchen faucet may not be safe to drink.
• Soil - Lead-based paint was also used to paint fences. The paint can chip over time, contaminating the soil where children play or where people walk barefoot, carrying the dust into their homes.
• Dust - Lead can also be found in dust in homes where it's inhaled, though it's not always visible.

Lead is an especially greater risk in older homes, but since many homes in the U.S. were built a while ago, a lead inspection may be necessary for most homeowners.

When Is the Best Time to Get a Lead Inspection?

As mentioned earlier, lead is a great concern in most older homes. It's a good idea to get a lead inspection, especially if you notice any peeling or cracking paint. An inspection is also ideal if you're scheduled for a home remodeling.

Things like knocking down walls and repainting can disturb the lead, further exposing you and your family to lead poisoning. Another crucial time to get a lead inspection is when you're selling your home. This can help you avoid costly legal issues down the line.

Benefits of a Lead inspection

A lead inspection offers many benefits to you and your family, including the following:

Helps Boost Your Property's Value

Older homes are more likely to contain lead-based paint. It was used before the 80s, during a time when the U.S. government had not yet banned the use of lead in consumer products. Back then, you could find lead not only in paints but even in cosmetic products.

By the time the ban was enforced, it was already too late for many homes. However, this is usually not an issue if the paint still hasn't chipped, cracked, or peeled. But if the paint is disturbed and the problem is not addressed, this can negatively affect your home's resale value.

If you suspect that the paint in your home contains lead and you want to pursue remediation, you can only do so by first scheduling a lead inspection.

Protects Your Family's Health

As mentioned earlier, lead is a known neurotoxin, which is also the reason why it was banned. A lead inspection helps you figure out whether you need remediation services or not to keep your family protected.

This is a big deal since lead poisoning is linked to many health issues, such as brain, liver, kidney, and nerve damage, as well as headaches and fertility problems in both men and women. If you're planning to renovate, a lead inspection protects not only your family but also the construction workers who are at risk of inhaling toxic lead particles.

Prevents Liability Issues

Since lead is a banned substance, it's essential to ensure compliance with relevant laws governing areas such as home remodeling. If you don't do your due diligence and someone ends up suffering from lead poisoning, you could be held liable. If you have an older home or suspect that your home may have sources of lead, it's your duty to test your home before inviting a contractor or other people into your home.

Ensures Peace of Mind

Knowing that your home may contain sources of lead can be stressful. A lead inspection allows you to fix the issue once and for all. It can also confirm that your home isn't a source of lead, which brings peace of mind.

As you can see, professional lead inspections are essential as the first step to protecting your and your family's health and safety as well as the value of your home. It also ensures you avoid legal issues. So, don't hesitate to reach out if you're looking for reputable and accurate lead testing services.