Vintage homes are full of character—arched doorways, crown molding, and real wood floors. But if you’re living in or renovating a property built before 1978, there’s a hidden risk you should not ignore: lead-based paint. Although layers of newer paint may cover it, the health dangers are still very real.
Lead exposure can affect anyone, but it’s especially harmful to children and pregnant women. It can cause developmental delays, neurological damage, and long-term health problems. If your landlord ignores this hazard or fails to disclose it, it may be time to talk to experienced lead poisoning lawyers.
Where Lead Paint Lurks in Older Homes
Homes built before 1978 often used lead-based paint, especially on:
- Interior walls and trim
- Windows and sills
- Doors and frames
- Porches, railings, and exterior siding
While the top layers may appear safe, sanding, scraping, or peeling paint can release toxic lead dust into the air. Even minor remodeling or deterioration over time can create serious exposure risks. This is especially true in high-traffic areas, such as window sills, baseboards, or stairs, where paint wears down more quickly.
How Lead Affects Your Health
Lead is a toxic metal that builds up in the body. It is especially dangerous because its effects are often invisible until damage has already occurred. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue or irritability
- Developmental delays in children
- Headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Abdominal pain or unexplained illness
Even small amounts of lead can affect learning, behavior, and physical growth. The damage is often irreversible. In adults, chronic exposure can also lead to kidney problems, high blood pressure, or reproductive issues.
Legal Responsibilities for Landlords and Property Owners
Federal law requires landlords and sellers to disclose known lead hazards in residential properties built before 1978. In California, landlords are also required to ensure that units are safe and habitable. If a tenant becomes ill due to lead exposure, the property owner may be held legally responsible for failing to take action.
Landlords are expected to:
- Disclose any known lead risks before lease agreements
- Repair or remove hazardous paint using safe practices
- Avoid disturbing lead-painted surfaces during repairs without proper containment.
- Follow state and federal rules for lead-safe work, especially when families with young children live in the uni.t
Failing to follow these steps not only puts tenants at risk but can also result in fines or lawsuits. Courts take these cases seriously, particularly when children are affected.
Protecting Yourself During Renovation
If you’re planning to renovate an older property:
- Test for lead paint first. Home test kits are available, but professional inspections offer more accurate results and may be required before major work.
- Use certified contractors. Renovation work that may disturb lead paint should be done by professionals trained in lead-safe practices. Certified firms follow strict guidelines to minimize dust and ensure safety.
- Seal off the work area. Use plastic sheeting and close doors to prevent dust from spreading.
- Wear protective gear. Gloves, masks, and disposable coveralls reduce direct exposure.
- Clean thoroughly. Use HEPA vacuums and wet-cleaning methods to remove dust from surfaces. Dry sweeping can stir up particles and exacerbate the problem.
Children and pets should be kept away from renovation zones until cleanup is complete. Even short-term exposure to disturbed lead dust can pose serious health risks.
What Renters Can Do If Lead Is Suspected
If you live in an older rental and suspect lead paint is present, here are steps you can take:
- Notify your landlord in writing. Ask whether the property has been tested or treated for lead hazards.
- Request repairs. If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipping, your landlord must take action promptly.
- Document everything. Keep copies of requests, photos of the issue, and records of any health symptoms.
- Seek medical advice. Blood tests can help detect lead exposure, particularly in children.
- Consult legal help. If your landlord does not respond or the conditions pose a health risk, contact qualified lead poisoning lawyers who can explain your rights and next steps.
California law protects tenants from retaliation when they report health and safety concerns. If you are concerned about raising the issue, be aware that you have legal options on your side.
Final Thoughts
Old homes can be beautiful, but they require thoughtful care—especially when it comes to safety. Whether you are a homeowner planning a renovation or a renter concerned about peeling paint, knowing the risks of lead exposure is essential. Legal protections exist to help keep families safe, but those laws only work when people know how to use them.
Do not ignore signs of potential lead hazards. Take action early, stay informed, and when needed, get help. A healthy home is not only a design goal. It is a legal right.
