Anytime before 1978, It was common that lead was added to paint to increase its durability. Typically, the higher the content of lead, the more durable the paint would be. Commonly around 50 percent of lead was used in the paint. Lead was not completely banned until 1978, although the government did start to decrease the use of lead from 1972. Lead was used in paint because it could look fresh and the capability to dry quickly.
Another leading benefit of lead paint was that it was incredibly resilient to moisture, which in turn made it a highly desirable product to use. This was the desirable choice until the harmful factors were brought to light. Although lead paint has not been used in properties since the late 70s, there are some properties that still have lead paint within them.
What steps are there to testing for lead paint?
Our team of experts work closely with each of our clients to ensure that we undertake all testing for lead paint safely and effectively. When undertaking any testing for lead paint our experts will ensure that they wear protective wear to minimise the risk of contamination. They will then analyse the surfaces and take samples from each area, these samples will then be tested either using our handheld XRF spectrometer or by sending the samples to an accredited laboratory. Both techniques are equally as efficient and ensure that the surfaces are tested and removed if necessary.
How to test for lead paint?
For any property built pre the late 1970s, the chances of lead paint within them is high, so one of the most asked questions is, how to test for lead paint? Everyone knows the dangers of lead paint, so testing for it is important to minimise the risks for you and your family. Over the years, paint can become chipped or peeled, both of these maximise the chances of health risks. If you are planning on undertaking any renovation works then the paints will become chipped or damaged which will maximise the chances of lead contamination.
The only way that you can determine whether you have lead contamination within your property is by having a full analysis and inspection completed. Lenval LTD will take a full inventory of all of the painted surfaces, including those areas that may have been covered with wallpaper over the years, as well as surfaces that have had several layers of paint over them, in both the interior and the exterior of a property. We will then take samples from the areas either using our XRF spectrometer or by sending the samples to our accredited laboratories. Once the results are conclusive, a report will follow which identifies which surfaces have lead-based paints so that we can remove these surfaces safely.
What are the health concerns caused by lead paint?
Lead paint is not deemed too much of a concern if it is entirely intact, although if it then begins to chip or become damaged, this can be a cause for concern. Especially for children, if children ingest these chippings then they can be considered hazardous. If a child was to ingest lead, this can cause high lead content within their body, which can result in dangers to their health and cause neurological issues. This is due to a child’s body absorbing the lead faster than adults. Lead can also be ingested into the bodies via dust particles if the lead paint has become damaged or blemished. To this day, the consequences of lead exposure cannot be entirely treated. Having long-term exposure to lead paint can have appalling consequences for both you and your family. Lead within the body can cause reproductive issues in adults and can cause behavioural problems, learning disabilities and growth-development issues in children.
For both adults and children, the symptoms of high levels of lead will be similar although there are some differences. Typically for children, if they withstand lead exposure, high levels of lead can cause damage to the brain and the nervous system, slowed growth, nerve damage, behavioural issues and bone marrow issues. Whereas within adults, there may be risks such as anaemia, fertility issues in both males and females, vision loss, concentration issues and muscle and joint paint.
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WHO WE ARE
Lenval has a wide range of experience with a variety of clients who have formed long-term relationships with us. We cover London & surrounding counties with projects from £1000 to £1 million.
Our proactive and customer focused attitude ensures that we enjoy a high percentage of repeat works.
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Lenval Ltd
Greenacres Farm
'The Barn'
Arterial Road
Stanford-le-hope, Essex
SS17 8PB
