Is it safe to sand old paint at home?
No. Homes built before 1978 likely have lead paint. Sanding turns it into dust you breathe and walk through.
What's actually in it
Homes painted before 1978 in the U.S. likely contain lead paint, especially on windows, doors, and trim. Disturbing the paint (sanding, scraping, heat-gun stripping) creates lead dust that's nearly invisible, doesn't smell, and lands everywhere. Tiny amounts raise a child's blood lead.
Even a renovation by a DIY adult can contaminate a whole house for years if done without containment.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol reinforced how much even small lead doses raise blood lead in kids. Lead has no safe level.
Hire a lead-certified contractor for any paint work in a pre-1978 home. DIY options are limited to small repairs with full containment (plastic sheeting, HEPA vacuum, respirator). If you suspect lead paint, test it first with an EPA-recognized kit.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluating metal cookware as a source of lead exposure. | J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol | 2025 |
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