What is a common indicator that lead paint is present?

One of the most common indicators that lead paint is present is old paint layers. Homes built before 1978 are particularly at risk, as this was the year the U.S. banned the use of lead-based paints in residential properties. When assessing for lead paint, the age of the building plays a critical role; the older the paint layers, the higher the likelihood that they contain lead. In many cases, older homes will have multiple layers of paint, which can indicate that lead paint was used in earlier applications.

While bright colors can sometimes suggest the presence of older paints that may contain lead, it's not a reliable indicator. Similarly, peeled surfaces may point to deteriorating paint but do not specifically indicate lead content, and fragile structures can be linked to age but are not direct indicators of lead paint presence. Therefore, focusing on old paint layers as an indicator is essential for identifying potential lead hazards effectively.