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Fire & Water Damage Recovery
4.7(
69
)

Serving San Anselmo, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The experience with Justin at Fire & Water Damage Recovery was excellent. They were referred by the plumbing company that serviced my sump pump. We still got 3 estimate, Justin's estimate was in the middle but I felt good with Justin based on our phone conversation and the referral so we went with this company. Justin did tell me that he might have estimated on the high side because he does not like to surprise the homeowners. What a surprise when I go the final invoice. The final invoice came in much lower and was very close or lower than the lowest estimate I got. Justin and his team also took pictures of how the place was before and after for me to see. They even took pictures of the pathway that they took to get to the crawl space to assure me that they kept the place clean when they got in and out. I was very satisified with Justin and his company."
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Recommended by88%of homeowners
Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

While the EPA provides guidelines for homeowners to perform DIY lead paint removal, it is a risky process and generally not recommended due to serious health risks and strict regulatory requirements. The process requires precise safety precautions, such as wearing a respirator and protective eyeglasses, creating sealed exits, and using a HEPA vacuum for cleanup. To ensure the job is done safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulations, it is highly recommended to hire a professional lead abatement company. Certified professionals have the necessary training, experience, and specialized equipment (like chemical strippers and HEPA vacuums) to handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely.

While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you’ll still want to test to be on the safe side. The federal government banned lead-based paint for homes in 1978, but your state may have banned lead before that time. Around 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contained lead-based paint, while 87% of homes built before 1940 contained lead-based paint.

Lead toxicity comes from inhaling lead or consuming it. Before the 1980s, when the government banned lead from consumer use, it could be found in paint, plumbing, pipes, ceramics, and even gasoline. Lead paint is toxic for the same reason lead itself is toxic, which is why lead poisoning from paint presents the same as lead poisoning from water or food sources, with a slight increase in respiratory symptoms vs. digestive symptoms. Lead paint is most dangerous when it’s old and peeling, cracking, or otherwise disturbed. This increases the concentration in the air and, therefore, in breathable air. 

Professional testing for lead paint costs about $300, ranging from about $250 to $700, depending on the square footage, accessibility, and location. However, testing for lead paint with a DIY home-testing kit costs about $25, but doesn’t guarantee accurate results. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a lead test kit that complies with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which has strict criteria for ensuring a more accurate reading.

Common home surfaces to test for lead include:

  • Walls

  • Windows

  • Doors

  • Molding and trim

  • Railings

If lead is detected in a property, steps should include arranging for professional removal or containment, notifying all occupants, and implementing interim safety measures to reduce exposure.

The San Anselmo, CA homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.