Can Children Get Lead Poisoning From Old House Paint?

If your house was built before 1978, lead paint is a real possibility. Look for peeling or chipping paint on walls, windows, doors, and porches. A chalky, dusty film on surfaces or paint that looks like alligator skin can also signal lead.

You cannot tell by looking whether paint contains lead. A home test kit from a hardware store gives a quick hint, but a lead inspector can give a reliable answer. If you rent, ask your landlord about the building's age and paint history.

• Peeling or chipping paint on walls and trim
• Paint dust on windowsills and floors
• Friction spots on doors and windows that rub
• A chalky residue on surfaces
• Paint that flakes in a pattern like alligator skin
• Renovation work that disturbs old painted surfaces

Water damage can make lead paint peel or bubble, turning it into a bigger hazard. If a pipe bursts or a roof leaks, the moisture can loosen paint layers, and the cleanup process can disturb them. Always treat old painted surfaces as potentially lead-containing.

When drying out a room, avoid scraping or sanding wet paint. Let the area dry, then address the paint safely. If you are in Fresno, keep your child's play area away from damaged walls. For water cleanup, local water damage pros can help with the wet materials.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

• Do not scrape or sand wet or dry lead paint
• Keep children out of rooms with peeling paint
• Wash hands and toys frequently
• Use wet mopping and damp cloths for dust
• Call local water damage pros for flood or leak cleanup
• Seal off affected areas until safe