Lead was widely used in several common products before it was discovered to be toxic to humans. It can still be found in the paint, pipes, dust, and soil of older buildings, especially homes built before 1978. Lead can cause poisoning when inhaled, absorbed, or consumed. To learn more about the dangers of lead exposure click here. 

If your home was built before 1978, it is especially important to get lead testing if:

• your paint is peeling, cracking, or deteriorating in any way
• you have young children in the home
• you have paint on surfaces that get a lot of wear and tear, such as windows that are opened and closed regularly (friction on lead painted surfaces can create lead dust, which is hard to see and can be tracked through your home)
• you're planning on renovating your home