Is exterior paint toxic after it dries?

• <div><p>Exterior paint contains a higher level of VOCs, which can be dangerous if you’re exposed to it for a long period of time. The good news is that paint’s toxicity reduces significantly once fully dried and cured. Do not keep open exterior paint cans in your home, basement, or garage, exposing your household to harmful chemicals over time.</p></div>

How much does lead paint testing cost?

• <div><p>Professional testing for lead paint costs about <b>$300</b>, ranging from about <b>$250 to $700</b>, depending on the square footage, accessibility, and location. However, testing for lead paint with a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-test-lead-paint.htm">DIY home-testing kit</a> costs about <b>$25</b>, but doesn’t guarantee accurate results. The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-test-kits">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> (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.</p><p>Common home surfaces to test for lead include:</p><ul><li><p>Walls</p></li><li><p>Windows</p></li><li><p>Doors</p></li><li><p>Molding and trim</p></li><li><p>Railings</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: How long does lead dust stay in the air?

• <div><p>When a surface that contains lead dust is disturbed, the dust can float about in the air for roughly an hour before settling again. Since you cannot see the dust, it is important always to wear protective gear when working with any materials that may contain lead paint and to keep children, pets, and others away from the area for as long as possible</p></div>

Q: Do all homes that were built before 1978 contain lead paint?

• <div><p>While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: What costs are typical for lead removal services?

• <div><p>Lead removal services typically cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the extent of lead presence, the property size, and the complexity of the abatement process.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Lead Testing And Removal pros in Helena, MT

*The Angi rating for Lead Testing And Removal companies in Helena, MT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lead Testing And Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Lead Testing And Removal companies in Helena, MT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Lead Testing And Removal needs.

Last update on November 11, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Hearen industries and their team did an amazing job removing our roof and install new shingles. Our roof was steep and they handled it very well. They were respectful and professional with quality work. I would highly recommend.
Hearen Industries LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
We are enjoying our new Renewal by Andersen windows! The sounds from the street are more muted, windows open/close so easily and, best of all, we don’t have to scrape the lead paint and re-paint the inside and outside trim of the old windows!! Everyone we’ve had contact with are professional and...
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
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Reviewed in October 2020
Mitch was a pleasure to work with. He restained and sealed our concrete floor. He started with a small test area and throughout the project he was checking in to make sure the finished result was exactly what we were looking for. The result was a work of art. He nailed it! It was a positive...
Everts Contracting Group, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2015
We purchased a home and had the carpets cleaned & tested for pet urine with the ultra violet light. Special chemical for urine odor was used in 2 bedrooms. One bedroom it was recommended to remove carpet. I felt this company was very trustworthy, friendly & professional. They were prompt at...
Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in September 2013
Went to Interstate to buy two new batteries for my farm tractor. Brandon looked at the batteries and suggested testing them befor buying new ones. He explained they were 6 volt batteries and had I been charging them with a 6 volt charger? He suggested I do that as the batteries did not...
INTERSTATE BATTERY SYSTEM
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Reviewed in April 2013
The heat pump replacement was done as expected. When all work was completed and the technicians were gone, so was a bottle of prescription cough syrup that was foolishly left on a table in the room where the work was being done. A very cool t-shirt that was hanging next to my attic stairs was...
Academy Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in March 2012
They are very caring and compassionate. Dr. Brenda is very good with the animals; she gets on the floor to make the dog feel comfortable. She is able to determine what the problem is with our pets because of the specialized testing. They have a 24 hour service, if something happens at two in...
MONTANA VETERINARY SPECIALISTS
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Inspection Advantage, LLC

4.90(

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Inspection Advantage, LLC

4.90(

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•Approved Pro

Customers say: Terrific value

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

15 local quotes requested

Inspection Advantage LLC takes great pride in our work. It is our mission to provide excellent inspection services and complete customer satisfaction. Our reputation is based on expertise, thoroughness and professional customer service. Trust Inspection Advantage LLC to perform a comprehensive home inspection on your schedule. Call us today! Discount for active and retired military and returned Peace Corps volunteers.

"Ethan was able to fit me in on short notice. He wrote a very detailed report."

Chris M on August 2024

"Ethan was able to fit me in on short notice. He wrote a very detailed report."

Chris M on August 2024

TAMARACK CONSTRUCTION CO INC

3.00(

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TAMARACK CONSTRUCTION CO INC

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Customers say: True professional

28 years of experience

Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

When a surface that contains lead dust is disturbed, the dust can float about in the air for roughly an hour before settling again. Since you cannot see the dust, it is important always to wear protective gear when working with any materials that may contain lead paint and to keep children, pets, and others away from the area for as long as possible

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.

Exterior paint contains a higher level of VOCs, which can be dangerous if you’re exposed to it for a long period of time. The good news is that paint’s toxicity reduces significantly once fully dried and cured. Do not keep open exterior paint cans in your home, basement, or garage, exposing your household to harmful chemicals over time.

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

Lead removal services typically cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the extent of lead presence, the property size, and the complexity of the abatement process.

The Helena, MT 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.

See all articles

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How to Identify Lead Paint Lurking in Your Home
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Toxic Lead Service

Toxic Lead Testing

Toxicity and Mold Removal

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Inspection Advantage, LLC

Inspection Advantage, LLC

TAMARACK CONSTRUCTION CO INC

TAMARACK CONSTRUCTION CO INC

The Helena, MT homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services

How Much Does a Lead Paint Inspection Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Lead Paint Removal Cost? [2025 Data]

How to Tell if You Have Lead Pipes in Your Home

How to Identify Lead Paint Lurking in Your Home

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Need a pro for your lead testing and removal project in Helena, MT?

Toxic Lead Service

Toxic Lead Testing

Toxicity and Mold Removal

Verified Reviews for Lead Testing And Removal pros in Helena, MT

Find Lead testing and removal specialists in Helena

Inspection Advantage, LLC

Inspection Advantage, LLC

TAMARACK CONSTRUCTION CO INC

TAMARACK CONSTRUCTION CO INC

The Helena, MT homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services

How Much Does a Lead Paint Inspection Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Lead Paint Removal Cost? [2025 Data]

How to Tell if You Have Lead Pipes in Your Home

How to Identify Lead Paint Lurking in Your Home

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