IS LEAD IN WATER A CONCERN IN NEWLY RENOVATED OLDER HOMES?
If the renovation included replacement of aging water pipes with copper or other metal piping, you should check with the renovating contractor to ensure that lead solder was not used in pipe joints. Further, some old homes contain water systems made of pipes that can contain high levels of lead. If the original water lines remain in the house, you should question the renovating contractor regarding his or her knowledge of pipe composition. HOW PREVALENT IS LEAD- BASED PAINT? According to the EPA, it is estimated that lead- based paint was applied to approximately two- thirds of the houses built in the U.S. before 1940; one- third of the houses built from 1940 to 1960; and to an indeterminate (but smaller) portion of U.S. houses built since 1960. HOW CAN I TELL WHETHER THE PAINT IN A HOME CONTAINS LEAD? The only accurate way to determine if paint in a home contains lead is to remove a sample of the paint and have it tested in a qualified laboratory. Should you suspect that lead is prese
