Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978, when the U.S. government banned it for residential use due to health risks. While this type of paint is no longer used in homes, millions of older buildings still have it under layers of newer paint. If your home was built before 1978 and you see peeling or cracking paint, it’s essential to determine whether it contains lead, especially before attempting any repairs or renovations. Disturbing lead paint can release dangerous particles into the air, posing serious health risks.

The first step in identifying lead paint is considering the age of the building. Homes built before 1950 are most likely to have lead-based paint, as it was widely used during that time. Between 1950 and 1978, its use gradually declined. If your home falls within this age range and shows signs of old paint deterioration, lead is a real possibility.

A visual inspection can sometimes provide clues. Lead paint tends to degrade in a unique pattern often referred to as “alligatoring,” where the surface cracks in a scaly or reptile-skin-like manner. When it peels, it often does so in thick, rigid chips rather than soft flakes. Also, areas around windows, doors, stairs, and trim—places that experience frequent friction—are common sites for lead paint.

However, visual inspection alone is not enough. To accurately confirm whether paint contains lead, testing is essential. Homeowners can use over-the-counter lead test kits, such as 3M LeadCheck or D-Lead, which can provide results within minutes. These kits change color if lead is detected. While helpful, they may not detect lead if it is buried under newer layers of paint. For more accurate results, a paint sample can be sent to a certified lab, or a licensed lead inspector can use an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device for on-site testing.

Working with lead paint can be extremely hazardous. Lead is a toxic metal that accumulates in the body over time. When lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed through sanding, scraping, or demolition, it releases tiny lead particles and dust. These can be inhaled or ingested and are particularly dangerous to children, pregnant women, and pets. Even small amounts of lead can cause developmental delays, behavioral problems, neurological damage, and learning disabilities in children. In adults, exposure can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, fertility issues, and cognitive decline.

Because of these dangers, homeowners should never attempt to remove or disturb lead paint without proper safety measures. If lead is present, it’s strongly recommended to hire a certified lead abatement professional who follows EPA guidelines and uses safe containment and removal methods. Simply painting over lead paint—called “encapsulation”—may be an acceptable temporary solution, but only if the underlying surface is in good condition.