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If your home was built before 1978, there is a real chance it still has lead paint somewhere inside. This is not a distant possibility. It is a common reality for many homeowners near James Burnett Park in Shelbyville, KY.

Lead paint does not always look old or damaged. It can sit under layers of newer paint for decades. And when it starts to break down, it becomes a serious health risk, especially for children and pregnant women.

This post breaks down what you need to know, what the warning signs look like, and what steps you can take to protect your family right now.

Why Lead Paint Is Still a Problem in 2025

The U.S. banned lead-based paint in residential homes in 1978. But that ban did not remove the paint already on the walls of millions of older homes. It just stopped new applications.

Shelbyville is a city with deep history and plenty of older housing stock. Neighborhoods near James Burnett Park include homes that were built well before that 1978 cutoff. If your home falls in that category, lead paint may be present in your walls, trim, window frames, doors, and ceilings.

As long as lead paint stays intact and undisturbed, it poses a lower risk. The danger rises when the paint starts to chip, peel, crack, or turn to dust. That is when lead particles enter your air and surfaces. Children touch surfaces, put their hands in their mouths, and breathe in dust without knowing it.

Who Is Most at Risk

Children under six are the most vulnerable. Their bodies absorb lead at a much higher rate than adults. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect brain development, cause learning delays, and lead to behavioral problems.

Pregnant women are also at high risk. Lead can cross into the bloodstream and affect fetal development.

Adults can experience health effects too. Long-term exposure links to high blood pressure, kidney problems, and nerve damage.

If you live in an older home near James Burnett Park, Shelbyville, KY and have young children, this topic deserves your full attention.

Where Lead Paint Hides in Older Homes

You will not always see lead paint at a glance. It tends to hide in specific spots that get repeated friction or moisture exposure.

Windows and window sills are one of the most common places. Every time you open and close a window, friction grinds paint edges together. That creates fine dust that settles on sills and floors.

Doors and door frames work the same way. The rubbing action over years breaks down paint edges slowly.

Trim and baseboards in older homes often received multiple coats of paint over decades. Lead-based layers may sit beneath newer coats.

Staircases and railings take a lot of physical contact and wear. Paint chips and dust collect on steps.

Exterior siding is another area. Weather, heat, and moisture break down old paint on the outside of your home. That dust and debris can track inside on shoes and clothing.

Signs You Should Take Seriously

Walk through your home and look for these warning signs.

Paint that is chipping or flaking on any surface. Paint that looks like alligator scales or has a cracked, dried-out texture. Window sills with visible wear marks. Doors that stick or rub against frames and leave paint residue. Dust buildup around trim or baseboards in older rooms.

If you spot any of these, do not sand, scrape, or disturb the paint until you know what you are dealing with. Disturbing lead paint without the right precautions makes the problem worse, not better.

Testing Your Home for Lead Paint

The only way to know for certain is to test. You have two main options.

The first option is a DIY test kit. You can buy these at hardware stores. They give you a basic yes or no result. They are affordable but not always fully reliable for every surface type.

The second option is a professional lead inspection. A certified inspector tests surfaces throughout your home and gives you a detailed report. This is the more thorough route, especially if you plan to renovate or sell your home.

If you plan to do any painting, remodeling, or surface work in an older home near James Burnett Park, a professional inspection first is the smart move.

What to Do If Lead Paint Is Found

Finding lead paint in your home does not mean you have to tear everything apart. There are two main approaches depending on the condition of the paint.

Encapsulation covers the lead paint with a special coating or new paint layer that seals it in. This works well when the existing paint is still in stable condition and not actively deteriorating. It is less disruptive and more cost-effective for intact surfaces.

Abatement physically removes the lead paint from the surface. This requires a certified contractor and follows strict safety protocols. It is necessary when paint is in poor condition, heavily deteriorated, or you are doing significant renovation work.

Neither approach is a DIY project. Both require professionals with the right training, equipment, and certification. Doing this work without proper precautions spreads lead dust throughout your home.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Not every painter or contractor is qualified to handle lead paint safely. In Kentucky, contractors who work on pre-1978 homes with children or pregnant women present must follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rules.

Ask any contractor you consider these questions before hiring them.

Are they EPA RRP certified? Do they use containment barriers during work? How do they handle cleanup and disposal of lead debris? Can they provide documentation of their certification?

A professional who takes lead safety seriously will answer these questions without hesitation. If they brush off your concerns or tell you it is not a big deal, find someone else.

For trusted local painting and lead-safe work near James Burnett Park, Shelbyville, KY, learn more about what certified professionals offer and how the process works.

Protecting Your Family While You Wait

If you suspect lead paint in your home but have not scheduled an inspection yet, there are steps you can take right now to reduce exposure.

Clean floors, window sills, and surfaces with a damp mop or cloth. Dry sweeping and vacuuming with a standard vacuum spreads fine particles instead of capturing them. Wash your children's hands regularly, especially before meals. Keep children away from areas with visible peeling or chipping paint. Do not let children play near exterior walls where old paint may have chipped off.

These steps lower the risk but do not eliminate it. An inspection and professional remediation are still the right long-term answer.

Why Acting Now Makes Sense

Older homes near James Burnett Park in Shelbyville, KY carry a lot of character and history. They are worth protecting. But that protection includes making sure the materials inside them are not harming the people who live there.

Lead paint exposure is preventable. The tools, professionals, and processes to handle it safely exist right now. You do not need to live with that risk when solutions are available.

Certified painters and lead-safe contractors in this area are ready to inspect, test, and address the problem the right way. You can check reviews, get directions, and contact the local team directly through their Google Business Profile.

A Final Word for Homeowners Near James Burnett Park

If your home was built before 1978, the question is not whether lead paint might be present. The question is what condition it is in and what you plan to do about it.

You do not need to panic. You do need to act. Get your home tested. Talk to a certified contractor. Understand your options.

Your family's health is worth more than putting this off for another season. Take the first step today.

Roberto Gomez Owner, In & Outdoor Solution 331 Midland Blvd, Shelbyville, KY 40065 (502) 655–7712 https://inandoutdoorsolution.com/