Is there a qualitative way to test old housepaint for lead without having to buy a testing kit?

Question

Is there a qualitative way to test old housepaint for lead without having to buy a testing kit?

Answer 1

Not really.  The only way I know of that is even close is by the age of the home.  If the home was built before 1978, it is a virtual certainty there is some sort of lead paint in the home.  The one upside is that you can still paint over lead-based paint and have nothing to worry about, as long as that top coat remains intact.  If you have pets or children who may come into contact with it, it would be a good idea to just get rid of it altogether, especially on the wood trim.  You can do this by simply pulling the old trim off and replacing it.  For lead based paint on the walls, just make sure you have a lead-free top coat that is intact.  If there is any peeling paint, that can present a little more of an issue, at which point, you may want to consult the expertise of a business skilled in removal of lead-based paints.

Answer 2

For a chemist, yes, for a layman no. Buy a test kit if in doubt, or just treat it like it had lead and be careful.