Key takeaways
- 1978 is the cutoff: older homes may have lead paint.
- Friction surfaces like windows and doors create the most dust.
- Intact, well-kept paint is a lower risk than peeling paint.
- Sanding and heat guns spread lead dust through the home.
Where lead paint usually is
Lead paint was prized for durability, so it was used on surfaces that took the most wear.
- Window frames, sashes and sills
- Doors and door frames
- Baseboards, trim and stair railings
- Porches and exterior siding
- Older kitchen and bathroom walls
Why dust is the real problem
A window opening and closing grinds painted surfaces together and creates fine dust on the sill. Sanding, scraping and dry demolition create much more, and it settles on floors where children play.
That is why repainting and window replacement on older homes need to be planned carefully — the work itself creates the exposure.
Lead paint risk by year
Based on when the home was built.
- 1Before 1950
Highest
Most likely to contain lead
- 21950–1977
Possible
Common on trim and windows
- 31978 and later
Unlikely
Residential lead paint banned
Working on an older home
For pre-1978 homes, federal EPA rules require contractors who disturb painted surfaces to be certified and use lead-safe work practices, and California has its own lead certification through the Department of Public Health.
The same older homes often contain asbestos in window glazing, caulk and nearby materials. American Heritage Environmental only tests for asbestos. We do not test for mold or lead, and we never sell or perform removal of any kind.