Lead Based Paint

Exposure to lead is a health hazard. Exposure to small amounts such as chips of paint containing lead generated during even minor home repairs - especially when conducted internally or externally to homes built before 1970 is a real concern.

As a rule of thumb the 1% lead limit set to paint by the National Health and Medical Research Council was adopted by 1970. However houses built after 1970 and using paint manufactured prior to 1970 may contain more then 1% lead. Today domestic paints have a maximum permissible lead percent of .25%. When purchasing a home built approximately pre 1970 is it important to note that the Australian Standard Pre Purchase Building Inspection does not cover the inspection of lead based paint. If you are concerned about the lead levels in paint present, then an inspection by suitably qualified person should be commissioned specifically to investigate the lead level in paints present. This may require samples to be taken for analysis.