If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead paint. Here's what PA law requires, how to test, and what professional painters must do.
The Lead Paint Basics
The EPA banned lead from residential paint in 1978. Any home built before that year — and there are millions in eastern PA — may contain lead paint under current paint layers. Lead paint that's intact (not peeling, chalking, or disturbed) poses minimal risk. Lead paint that's peeling, being sanded, or being disturbed during renovation creates dust that is extremely hazardous, particularly to children under 6 and pregnant women.
EPA RRP Rule Requirements
The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires contractors working on pre-1978 homes to follow lead-safe work practices. In Pennsylvania, contractors must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified. Requirements include: containment of work areas, use of HEPA vacuums, proper disposal of lead-containing debris, and post-work cleaning verification. Joseph Assise III Painting is EPA Lead-Safe Certified — we handle lead-paint projects in full compliance with federal requirements.
How to Test for Lead Paint
EPA-approved test kits are available at hardware stores for $10-$30 — they're a reasonable starting point for homeowners. More reliable: a certified lead inspector or XRF testing. If you're planning major renovation or have young children, professional testing ($250-$500 for a full home) provides documentation and peace of mind. We test all surfaces we'll be disturbing in pre-1978 homes as standard practice.
What This Means for Your Project
If lead paint is found, it doesn't automatically mean full removal. Options include: encapsulation (painting over intact lead paint with a bonding primer and encapsulant — appropriate for intact surfaces), enclosure (covering with drywall), or abatement (complete removal by a licensed abatement contractor). For most painting projects in pre-1978 homes, encapsulation with lead-safe work practices is appropriate and code-compliant.
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