Get matched with top lead testing and removal specialists in Shoshoni, WY

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 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. 

DIY kits are available for basic air quality testing, but professional services provide more comprehensive results and recommendations. While a DIY kit may seem cost-effective, a professional assessment is more thorough. Inspectors are better equipped to catch all pollutants and hazards, and you'll still need a professional to verify and act on DIY test results. Furthermore, some kits don't test for certain pollutants or only detect their presence without measuring specific levels (like mold spores). It's generally better to opt for a detailed professional assessment.

Testing typically costs between $200 and $600, depending on the number of samples and laboratory analysis.