I tell my clients to assume the paint in any old house in St. Paul is lead-based. Most of the houses were built during the time when lead-based paint was being used. It was still being used in the late 70s. Lead-based paint goes way back to colonial times in America and was most used in the mid-1920s. It is most often found on window trim and woodwork.
It can be found on old boilers and on those wonderful built-ins found in craftsman-style homes. Most contractors test the paint for lead before replacing or repairing doors or windows. To learn more about lead-based paint and how it is especially harmful to children.
Lead-based paint that is covered or that isn’t chipping or peeling may not be hazardous. When buying a house buyers have the option of having a lead-based paint inspection so that they know in advance if they will have to do any remediation.
