Why Lead Paint is Still a Risk in Chicago Neighborhoods
Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978 — the year it was banned for residential use in the U.S. In a city like Chicago, where much of the housing stock is older, tens of thousands of homes still contain lead hazards, especially in areas like West Englewood, Lawndale, and Humboldt Park.
Common Question: How can I tell if my Chicago home has lead paint?
Unless you’ve had your home professionally tested, there’s no way to be sure without lab analysis. Lead-based paint looks just like any other paint but becomes a serious health risk as it deteriorates into dust or chips.
Identifying Lead Paint in Older Homes
If your home was built before 1978 — and especially before 1960 — there is a high likelihood that at least one layer of paint contains lead. Telltale signs include:
Peeling or chipping paint on windowsills, doors, and baseboards
Dusty buildup near floors or window wells
“Alligatoring” texture — cracked paint that looks like reptile skin
Statistic: 75% of U.S. homes built before 1978 contain some form of lead-based paint.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure
Lead is particularly dangerous to young children and pregnant women. Exposure occurs through inhalation or ingestion of lead dust, often from deteriorating paint or contaminated soil.
Common symptoms of lead poisoning include:
Developmental delays and learning disabilities in children
Behavioral problems, irritability, or fatigue
High blood pressure and joint pain in adults
Complications during pregnancy
There is no safe level of lead exposure, according to the CDC.
Safe Removal and Abatement Procedures
Professional lead abatement isn’t just about scraping old paint — it’s a regulated process designed to minimize airborne contamination. At EHC Industries, we follow Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and EPA protocols:
Sealing off work areas with plastic sheeting and negative air machines
Wet scraping or chemical stripping to avoid dust
HEPA vacuuming and wipe-down of all surfaces
Proper disposal of hazardous materials
Attempting to sand or remove lead paint without proper tools or containment can make the situation worse by spreading toxic dust throughout your home.
Legal Requirements and Compliance in Illinois
The Lead Poisoning Prevention Act in Illinois mandates strict lead-safe work practices for any renovation or repair work in child-occupied facilities or homes built before 1978.
Chicago landlords must also comply with the City of Chicago’s Lead-Safe Housing Rule, especially when renting to families with children under 6. Failure to comply can result in:
City fines
Rental license suspension
Legal liability for health consequences
What Should Chicago Homeowners Do?
If your home was built before 1978, the first step is professional lead testing — especially if you have children or are planning renovations. EHC Industries offers:
Certified lead inspections
XRF paint testing
Safe removal and disposal
Clearance testing to confirm lead safety
Statistic: Children in homes with deteriorating lead paint are 6x more likely to suffer developmental delays.
Source: HUD Lead Safety Report
Protect Your Family with Lead-Safe Remediation
Lead poisoning is 100% preventable — but it starts with awareness and proper action. Don’t risk your family’s health by ignoring the signs or attempting unsafe removal.
If you’re in Chicago or surrounding suburbs, turn to EHC Industries for certified, lead-safe abatement solutions.
Schedule Your Lead Paint Inspection Today
We help homeowners, landlords, and property managers identify and safely eliminate lead hazards.
📍 Proudly serving Chicago’s historic homes and buildings.
🌐 www.ehcindustries.com