Why Lead Is Still a Concern in Houston Homes
It surprises many Houston homeowners to learn that lead poisoning is not a thing of the past. Despite decades of regulation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that lead exposure still impacts thousands of families every year.
Older homes, especially those built before 1978 can harbor lead-based paint that deteriorates into dust over time.
And because Houston has many established neighborhoods with charming older homes—think The Heights, Montrose, Spring Branch, Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, and parts of the Inner Loop—buyers and sellers encounter this issue more often than they might expect.
When homes change hands, federal law requires sellers to provide a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for any property built before 1978. But understanding what that means—and how lead affects your health—is just as important.
How Lead Exposure Happens Inside a Home
Lead-based paint doesn’t usually create problems when it’s intact. The danger starts when it begins to peel, chip, or break down into dust. This dust can settle on floors, furniture, toys, and vents—making it easy for children or adults to come into contact with it.
Common ways lead enters a home include:
- Deteriorating paint on windowsills, doors, trim, or walls
- Contaminated soil tracked inside from shoes or pets
- Old plumbing fixtures where lead may leach into drinking water
- Imported toys or items from certain manufacturers
Neighborhoods with older infrastructure—such as East Downtown, Midtown, and parts of Spring Branch—can also have elevated soil levels due to historic construction.
The EPA even found that simply removing shoes at the door or using a heavy-duty doormat can reduce lead dust inside the home by nearly 60%.
Why Lead Is So Dangerous
According to the CDC, lead affects almost every system in the body. While no level of lead exposure is considered “safe,” the risks are especially high for infants, toddlers, and developing children.
Potential Health Effects of Lead Exposure
In children:
- Learning delays
- Lower IQ
- Behavioral issues
- Slow growth
- Hearing problems
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Anemia
In adults:
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Heart disease
- Reproductive issues
- Memory and concentration problems
For pregnant individuals, past exposure can release stored lead back into the bloodstream, where it can cross the placental barrier and affect the unborn baby.
How to Know if Your Houston Home Has Lead
If you’re buying or selling a home built before 1978—or simply want peace of mind—testing is the most reliable way to find out if lead is present.
Your Testing Options
1. Professional Lead Inspector (Recommended)
A certified inspector can test:
- Paint
- Dust
- Soil
- Water
Professionals use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment that accurately detects lead beneath layers of paint.
2. Accredited Lab Testing
You can collect paint or soil samples yourself and send them to a state-approved laboratory. The Texas Department of State Health Services can provide a list of accredited labs.
3. Water Testing Kits
Useful for older plumbing systems, especially in areas built before the mid-1980s.
Where to Test First
Focus on areas where children spend the most time:
- Bedrooms
- Playrooms
- Window frames
- Front/back yards where soil exposure is common
What Houston Buyers Should Know
If you’re purchasing a home in older, established neighborhoods—such as The Heights, Timbergrove, Montrose, Braeswood, Spring Branch, or parts of Katy and Cypress—lead-based paint disclosures are common.
Buyers have the right to:
- Receive an EPA-approved information pamphlet
- Get a 10-day period to conduct lead testing
- Request remediation guidance if hazards are found
Older homes can still be fantastic investments and offer charm you can’t find in newer master-planned communities like Bridgeland, Elyson, Woodforest, The Woodlands, or Riverstone—you just need the right insight and testing.
Protecting Your Family From Lead Exposure
You can significantly reduce risks with simple everyday habits:
- Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth regularly
- Use HEPA-filter vacuums
- Remove shoes before entering the home
- Wash children’s hands and toys frequently
- Keep paint surfaces well-maintained
- Plant ground cover over exposed soil
Whether you’re buying or selling, our Houston real estate experts are here to guide you. Reach out to Jennifer Yoingco, REALTOR®, and her team, The Houston Suburb Group. They’ll help you get ready to EXPERIENCE LIVING IN HOUSTON TEXAS!
FAQs
1. Are all older Houston homes dangerous because of lead paint?
Not necessarily. Many homes have been remodeled or repainted safely, but testing is the only way to be sure.
2. Should I avoid buying a home built before 1978?
No. Older homes often have character and strong construction—you just need proper inspections and awareness.
3. Can lead be removed?
Yes. Certified contractors can safely remediate lead hazards through encapsulation, removal, or replacement.
4. Do new Houston homes have lead?
Newer construction—especially in Katy, Cypress, and The Woodlands—typically does not contain lead-based paint, but plumbing fixtures may still warrant testing.
5. Who pays for lead remediation during a home sale?
It’s negotiable. Buyers and sellers can work it out during contract negotiations.
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