Why get a lead survey for your property?

Even small quantities of lead in your home can be a risk to the health of you and your family – so why not have a safe and efficient specialist survey your home to be sure?

Hire a professional to carry out a lead survey

Throughout the early and mid-twentieth century lead was a popular substance found in a variety of building materials and household products thanks to it being easy to shape and extremely durable. Lead was used as an additive to paint for walls, woodwork, window and door frames and radiators and as solder for piping and metal fixtures. In some older buildings, many metal fittings may contain larger amounts of the substance or similar lead compounds. Unfortunately, the far-reaching effects of lead poisoning in recent decades have proved that the element is in fact highly dangerous. Even limited lead exposure, through breathing or ingestion, can result in disruption to the nervous and blood forming systems, which can lead to extensive brain and kidney damage. Young children and pets are particularly vulnerable and lead also poses a danger to pregnant women, who are more likely to suffer miscarriages when exposed to the metal.

Under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations Act 2002 (CLAW), an employer must avoid any foreseeable health risks to employees; so any business property you own or have recently purchased should be checked for lead by law. Although it is now illegal to add lead to household paints and if left undisturbed lead-based walls or fittings in the home are unlikely to cause any real harm, you should still think about hiring a professional to look over the building if:

• You’re on the verge of redecorating or renovating your property.
• Paint is beginning to flake or peel.
• Or if your pipes are leaking and you suspect there is a risk of contamination to the water or drainage system.

There are a number of benefits to calling in a lead removal specialist to survey your home. For example, a professional lead surveyor or remover can:

• Wear protective clothing and a face mask capable of blocking any floating lead dust particles.
• Remove and cover carpets and furniture to prevent them retaining any dust during the testing/inspection.
• Carefully remove any old metal fixtures or fittings without damaging surface flooring, wall linings or the water or drainage systems.
• Use a solvent or water based paint stripper to swell the internal layer of film beneath the wallpaper for easy removal; or in more difficult cases use a specifically designed hot air gun to soften the material.
• Clean the targeted area with a special cleaning agent or detergent designed to target any remaining lead-dust particles.
• Dispose of any lead waste in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1992, saving you the time it will take to consult your local Environmental Health Officer.

How much do lead surveys cost?

Remember, it’s a professional lead surveyor’s job to make sure the inspection is carried out and if any repairs are necessary, to help arrange these around your budget and schedule. Although a typical lead survey costs around £400-£500, you may be able to obtain one cheaper in a special ‘package-deal’ that checks a number of other household problems at the same time. Be sure to shop around and find the most appropriate deal for you and make sure too that you check references of your chosen employer. If you’re not sure whether your property contains any lead, despite the requirement that all homes built before 1978 must disclose its presence, getting a survey won’t do any harm; where your family or colleagues health is concerned, it’s best to be on the safe side and consult a professional.