An estimated 57 million U.S. homes have at least some lead paint. Older homes are at greater risk. Prior to 1950, paint contained as much as 50 percent lead. Paint in good condition poses little risk. Paint that is peeling or on deteriorating surfaces is especially risky.
Dust created from remodeling an older home can also be a source of lead. Do-it-yourself test kits are available at home centers, paint stores and ceramic supply stores. However, their sensitivity is limited. Also, it may be difficult to get accurate readings on surfaces with multiple levels of paint.
For more accurate information, have a professional detection service conduct a lead-based paint risk assessment.
