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>

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Q: Why is lead paint toxic?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;s old and peeling, cracking, or otherwise disturbed. This increases the concentration in the air and, therefore, in breathable air. </p></div>

Q: Do I have to remove lead-based paint?

• <div><p>If the lead paint is in a place that is not easily disturbed and is not flaking or deteriorating, you do not necessarily need to remove it. Lead is toxic when dust particles or flakes from peeling lead paint are ingested. If people are not in the area with the lead paint, it may be safe to leave it in place. You still may want to consider encapsulation with a paint formulated for covering lead-based paint, just for an added layer of protection.</p></div>

Q: How long does testing take?

• <div><p>Sampling typically takes 1-3 hours, and depending on the provider, lab results are available within 2-7 days.</p></div>

Q: Why is lead testing important before purchasing a property?

• <div><p>Lead testing prior to purchasing a property ensures that the new owners are informed about potential hazards, prevents health risks associated with lead poisoning, and facilitates timely remediation.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Lead Testing And Removal pros in Finley, ND

*The Angi rating for Lead Testing And Removal companies in Finley, ND 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 Finley, ND 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 21, 2025

Reviewed in December 2024
We recommend highly! Clear understanding of options, our final choices, and our place in their schedule of jobs. Wonderful crew was able to remove and replace shingles in one day. Our other job included replacing 4 windows and 2 glass patio doors. The 2-man team of Will and Mitch was...
Western Products
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Reviewed in March 2021
Very honest and knowledgeable. Did a radon test and will quite likely go ahead with the remediation.
DJ's Radon Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2013
After our hail damage, we called D & M. Our estimate was done timely and very thoroughly by a knowledgable and experienced estimator.. We asked them to do the work, but due to our own problems (doctors and hospital), the work had to wait. We were happy they could get the work done before cold...
D & M ROOFING & SIDING CO
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Reviewed in December 2007
I called Frank's business and made an appt. for him to come out and clean the carpets. I told the person that answered the phone - turned out to be his wife - how pleased I was several years ago. She was pleasant and we made the appointment for the next week. When Frank arrived - on time - he...
King Sweep
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Reviewed in July 2006
Fantastic! On time every time - even early today. Polite; speaks English well; has the same crew each time; cleans up after themselves; does things that we don't even see - weeds growing around a base of a tree; suckers on the lemon tree - and removes those things. Very knowledgeable. Wish we...
MARIANO'S GARDENING SERVICE
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Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

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.

If the lead paint is in a place that is not easily disturbed and is not flaking or deteriorating, you do not necessarily need to remove it. Lead is toxic when dust particles or flakes from peeling lead paint are ingested. If people are not in the area with the lead paint, it may be safe to leave it in place. You still may want to consider encapsulation with a paint formulated for covering lead-based paint, just for an added layer of protection.

Sampling typically takes 1-3 hours, and depending on the provider, lab results are available within 2-7 days.

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.

Lead testing prior to purchasing a property ensures that the new owners are informed about potential hazards, prevents health risks associated with lead poisoning, and facilitates timely remediation.

The Finley, ND 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.

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