Last year, Wallet pop\’s “Top 10 List of the Best Places to Buy a Home in 2011” was headed by Austin, Texas. A 7.1% unemployment rate, compared to the national average of 9.8%, along with affordability and growth, are three of the reasons Austin made it to the list. If you are in the market for new home these are qualities you surely value, but you will probably want to drill down deeper and look at the conditions of your potential houses in Texas. Insulation, plumbing, siding; these are all little details that make a world of difference. Perhaps your budget has you contemplating older homes, ones where lead paint might be an issue. You might explore looking around for some Texas sandblasting services to remove that health hazard from your future home if you decide to buy.

What is lead based paint?

Its paint that has had lead added to it, either as a pigment or as an additive that will allow it to dry faster and resist moisture. The United States instated laws that forbid the use of lead in paint intended for domestic consumption.

How can lead based paint affect your health?

Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that can lead to multiple health complications. The condition is called lead poisoning and is detected by blood tests. The absorbed lead affects various body processes and organs.

How can you detect lead in your home?

You can contact the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) and request a list of EPA-certified labs in your city in order to send the paint chips for testing. You can also go the do-it-yourself route and purchase a kit at a local hardware store.

What to do if you have lead based paint in your home?

You must hire a lead abatement specialist to remove the hazard from your home. You can get a list of certified contractors by reaching out to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A good contractor should be able to walk you through your options so that you will choose the best solution for your problem. There are chemical and mechanical removal methods, as well as seal and enclosure routes.

You will want to look for a place to stay while the work is being performed at your house, and while you are searching for the right company for the job, be careful to clean up paint dust particles. If you have children, cleaning their toys is also an important step.

In issues such as this the best course of action is to be informed. When you are looking for a new home be sure to know if it was constructed before 1978 when the lead paint regulations came into effect in the United States. Be on the lookout for paint that is chipping or leaving dust residue.

If you already purchased the house, then do the proper research and act swiftly. Your health and that of your loved ones depends on your awareness and decisive action. Do not let yourself get caught off guard.

Author Bio: Penny Lane recently worked with a Texas insulation firm as new techniques are sought for the energy crisis. She worked with a Texas sandblasting firm as she sought quotes for an abatement project.

Category: Business
Keywords: Texas Insulation,Texas sandblasting