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Homes built before the 1980s probably contain lead since the U.S. government banned it from consumer use only in 1978. Before this, products such as paint, plumbing, pipes, ceramics, and gasoline often used lead-based paint. If you live near an industrial area, pay for the cost to test the soil around your home for elevated levels.

You can find lead in the air, soil, water, and homes built before the 1980s since it was widely used in the production of paint, gas, pipes, and ceramics. Children's growing bodies can be more susceptible to poisoning and are at a higher risk of exposure through hand-to-mouth activities.

According to the EPA, if children are poisoned, it can result in behavioral and learning challenges, lower IQ, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing issues, or anemia.

If your home tests positive for lead, consider the safety of children and the severity of your family's exposure and act quickly. Get a risk assessment if your family's blood levels test positive.

For every instance of lead, there’s a unique test and removal process. Reducing exposure to lead risks requires time and management. Mitigation techniques may involve hiring a pro and spending more than $1,000. Complete elimination always requires a pro and could cost more than $10,000.

EPA regulations require training and certification for inspectors, risk assessors, and abatement workers. The EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule also requires a certification for contractors who disturb lead as a consequence of work in the home. Inspection, assessment, and abatement costs $550, while the RRP certification itself costs $300.

Lead paint looks the same as regular paint, which makes it hard to determine if your home uses lead-based paint. You can only determine the levels through testing. If the old paint is deteriorating or flaking, get it tested.