Hidden Hazards in Your San Diego Home
Many families in San Diego are drawn to the charm and craftsmanship of older homes—often built well before 1978, when lead-based paint was still commonly used. Unfortunately, these homes can harbor hidden dangers beneath layers of paint and finishes that have aged over time.
Lead-based paint is often found on window sills, baseboards, trim, and other surfaces that children regularly touch. Without proper inspection, these hazards can go unnoticed—posing a serious risk to young children who are especially vulnerable to lead exposure.
Whether you’re planning a renovation, recently purchased an older property, or simply want to ensure a safe environment for your family, this guide will help you understand the risks and take the right steps toward identifying and addressing hidden lead hazards in your home.
Why Lead Paint Is Especially Dangerous for Young Children
According to the CDC, children under 6 are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are still developing, and they absorb lead more easily than adults. Here are some of the most concerning facts:
They Absorb More and Eliminate Less
Young children’s digestive systems absorb 4–5 times as much ingested lead as adults. Once lead is in their bloodstream, their developing organs have a harder time eliminating it.
Brain and Nervous System at Risk
Even small levels of lead in children’s blood can reduce IQ, cause learning disabilities, shorten attention spans, and result in aggressive behavior or developmental delays. These effects are permanent and can impact a child’s entire life.
How Exposure Happens
Lead dust—created from deteriorating lead-based paint—is invisible and settles on floors, toys, and furniture. Children crawl on the ground, put their hands in their mouths, and unknowingly ingest this dust daily.
Common Places Lead Hides in San Diego Homes
You don’t need to live in a century-old mansion to be at risk. If your home was built before 1978—the year lead-based paint was officially banned in residential construction—it could contain lead hazards. Here’s where it most often hides:
Interior Surfaces
- Window sills and frames
- Door jambs and trim
- Baseboards and crown molding
- Kitchen cabinets
- Radiators and vent covers
Exterior Areas
- Painted siding and fences
- Porch railings and columns
- Soil near the foundation (contaminated by old paint)
Dust Accumulation Zones
- Window troughs
- Carpets and rugs
- Floorboards near high-traffic areas
The only reliable way to know is with a lead paint chip testing or XRF analysis conducted by a certified professional.
Signs You Need a Lead Paint Risk Assessment
Many families don’t realize the need for a lead paint risk assessment until it’s too late. Ask yourself:
- Was your home built before 1978?
- Do you have peeling, chipping, or cracking paint?
- Have you recently completed (or plan to start) any renovations?
- Are children under the age of 6 living in or visiting the home regularly?
- Have you ever had your home tested for lead?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, schedule a home lead testing near me search—or call Rarefied Air Environmental directly—for an expert inspection.
Inspection vs. Risk Assessment: What’s the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, these are distinct services:
Lead-Based Paint Inspection
A certified professional uses tools like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices or laboratory analysis to determine whether lead-based paint is present anywhere in the home.
Lead Paint Risk Assessment
Goes further by assessing the potential for lead exposure. This includes collecting dust wipe samples, soil samples, and identifying specific hazards that children might contact.
Together, these services create a complete picture of your home’s safety.
Why DIY Lead Test Kits Aren’t Enough
DIY kits may seem quick and inexpensive, but here’s why they’re a poor substitute for professional services:
- They’re not comprehensive: They can only test one small area at a time, missing dust and soil contamination entirely.
- They lack accuracy: False negatives are common, giving families a false sense of security.
- No legal standing: They’re not accepted in real estate transactions or rental disclosures.
- No professional guidance: If lead is found, you’re left Googling your next move.
When you hire Rarefied Air Environmental, you’re not just getting a test—you’re getting a plan of action from professionals who do this every day.
Preparing for a Lead Paint Inspection
Wondering what to expect? Here’s how to get ready:
- Clear access to test areas: Move furniture away from windows, doors, and baseboards.
- Notify your inspector about any renovations or past painting work.
- Keep children and pets out of inspection zones.
- Ask questions—a good inspector will walk you through the process and explain every result.
What If Lead Is Found?
Don’t panic—detection is the first step toward safety.
Short-Term Steps
- Wet-wipe surfaces regularly
- Use HEPA vacuums on carpets and floors
- Avoid dry-sanding or scraping painted surfaces
Long-Term Solutions
- Encapsulation: Sealing the lead paint under a specialized coating
- Removal: Safely removing contaminated materials
- Replacement: Swapping out windows, doors, and trim
At Rarefied Air Environmental, we don’t just test—we help connect you with EPA-certified abatement contractors.
Our Commitment to San Diego Families
We’ve worked with hundreds of families throughout San Diego—many with children under 6. Our mission is to make sure no parent has to wonder whether their home is making their child sick.
What sets us apart:
- Decades of combined experience
- Certified, insured, and highly trained technicians
- Friendly, on-site education and family-first recommendations
- Full service—from inspection to post-test consultation
Our clients include residential homeowners, real estate professionals, property managers, schools, and daycare centers.
Make sure your home is healthy for everyone – schedule a lead test today!
You don’t have to live with uncertainty. If you’re even slightly concerned about lead in your home, don’t delay. Contact Rarefied Air Environmental today to schedule your lead paint test.
| Feature | Mold | Mildew |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark green, black, or fuzzy | White, gray, or powdery |
| Penetration | Deep-rooted in surfaces | Surface-level |
| Smell | Strong, musty, earthy | Musty but less intense |
| Health Impact | Allergies, asthma, respiratory issues | Usually minor unless widespread |
| Common Areas | Walls, ceilings, HVAC, wood | Bathroom tiles, window sills |
- Coughing and wheezing
- Runny nose and sinus congestion
- Itchy eyes and skin irritation
- Asthma attacks or chest tightness
- Headaches or fatigue
- Increased respiratory infections
Preventing Mold Growth in San Diego Homes During Summer
The good news is that you can take several proactive steps to reduce your risk of summer mold growth. Even small adjustments can have a significant impact on your indoor air quality.Use Dehumidifiers or Smart Climate Controls
Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%. Dehumidifiers are particularly useful in coastal neighborhoods and older homes without central air.Ventilate Bathrooms and Kitchens
Use exhaust fans during and after showers or cooking. Leave interior doors open when possible to increase airflow and reduce stagnant air.Fix Leaks Immediately
Plumbing leaks under sinks, inside walls, or near HVAC systems should be addressed within 24 hours to prevent mold colonization.Clean and Inspect Your HVAC System
Replace air filters regularly and inspect ductwork annually. Consider installing a whole-home air purifier or UV light system to kill mold spores as they circulate.Wipe Down Surfaces Prone to Condensation
This includes window sills, mirrors, and metal surfaces where warm air meets cool surfaces.Store Items Off the Floor in Garages and Closets
Especially important in garages, basements, and storage areas—use shelving to prevent mold buildup on cardboard, fabrics, or boxes. When to Schedule Mold Testing or Indoor Air Quality Testing You may need professional mold testing if you:- Smell musty odors that linger despite cleaning
- See visible growth on walls, ceilings, or vents
- Have experienced a recent plumbing leak or roof leak
- Feel sick more often at home than elsewhere
- Live in a humid or coastal neighborhood
- Notice condensation forming indoors regularly
- Spore trap air sampling
- Moisture mapping tools
- Thermal imaging
- Surface sampling and laboratory analysis