Lead
We all know that too much lead in our bodies is bad for us. Over the last 20 years or so, we've done a lot to get rid of it in this country and cases of lead poisoning are now rare.
But old paint is one source of lead that you may still come across in your home.
Up until the mid-1960s, lead was used to make some kinds of paint - for windows, doors and other woodwork as well as for some metal items, like radiators. It was still used occasionally until the 1980s.
How do I know if there's lead in my paintwork?
- The age of your home is a good guide. If it was built before the 1960s and still has original coats of paint, there could be some lead around.
- Another clue is if your paintwork is quite thick - lead could be locked into the oldest layers. That's not a problem if it's in good condition and you don't plan to sand or strip the paint.
- Modern household paints do not contain added lead and are not dangerous. So if your home is newer, there won't be any lead there.
- Repainting often seals in older layers. Fresh coats of modern paint can safely cover and contain any older lead-based paint beneath.
Am I or my family at risk?
The people most at risk from lead are young children and pregnant women.
However, as long as the lead paintwork has been sealed over by new paintwork the risk is low.
You will only be at risk if:
- You think the paintwork is likely to get knocked or chewed by young children or by pets, for example, or if it could be damaged in some other way that could release lead dust into your home.
- If you are planning on redecorating and removing old layers of paint.
- You live in an old house with peeling or flaking paint.
If you think your home does have lead paintwork, especially if it's in bad condition (peeling or flaking) or if you are planning any redecoration, it's best to take some simple precautions.
The easiest way of dealing with lead paintwork - if it's in good condition - is to seal it with an overcoat of modern paint.
If the paintwork is in poor condition and needs to be removed before you can redecorate you can find advice on how to do this safely on this leaflet from DEFRA.