If you are purchasing a home that was built prior to 1978 it is recommended that you hire a Texas Department of Health Licensed Risk Assessor to conduct a Lead Hazard Risk Assessment in the home you are purchasing. Areas that are of concern are:
- Older Vinyl Mini blinds: According to the CPC they are considered a hazard if they contain lead . Lead used by the manufacturers of the blinds were to keep the blinds from fading. Once exposed to sunlight the vinyl begins to decompose and the lead escapes in the form of dust on the mini blinds. If a child touches the dust that contains lead and then eats a hamburger or puts his hand in his mouth, he is contaminated with lead and can lead-to-lead poisoning. We refer you to the CDC web site http://www.cdc.gov/lead/ for further information.
- Ceramic Tubs: As the ceramic bathtub gets older and the ceramic becomes porous the potential for lead leaching into the bathwater is realistic. A Licensed TDH risk assessor with the assistance of X-Ray equipment (XRF) can determine if the bathtubs in your home contain lead that can cause harm to children when the water is ingested while bathing. Visit the Texas Department of Health Web site found in the links section.
- Lead Paint: Lead is commonly found in older homes built before 1978 on the window sills, walls, doors, and other components of the home according to the Texas Department of Health.
- Water Pipes: According to the TDH, water must be collected from the first draw and sent to a lab by a qualified technician for testing.
- Other: There are many other sources of lead, such as old furniture, glass ware, roof jacks, thus we recommend that a buyer conducts further due diligence if he or she is purchasing a home built prior to 1978.
- Some Government home purchasing programs require a Lead Hazard Screen check with your lender.