Lead Paint in Older Homes: Warning Signs

Visible clues to document

Photograph both a close view and a wider view that shows location and scale. Note whether the condition appears active, repeated, recently repaired, or associated with weather or system use.

• Peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp paint in an older home.
• Deteriorated paint on windows, doors, stairs, railings, porches, and other friction or impact surfaces.
• Planned sanding, demolition, painting, window work, or renovation that could create dust.

What the clues may—and may not—mean

Similar-looking conditions can have very different causes. Surface appearance alone cannot confirm severity, concealed damage, material composition, structural movement, leakage source, or health risk.

Reasonable next steps

• Keep children and pregnant people away from suspect dust or chips.
• Do not dry-sand, scrape, or use unsafe renovation methods.
• Use certified professionals and lead-safe practices for evaluation and work.

Who to contact

For a property-specific assessment, contact an EPA- or state-certified lead-based paint inspector, risk assessor, or lead-safe certified renovation firm as appropriate. Ask for findings in writing and request a defined scope before authorizing invasive testing or repair work.