Lead Paint Experts: To Test or Not To Test?

[Cassandra Brown]

My husband and I are under contract for a duplex built in 1915. Obviously, there is lead paint in the home ('unkown' to the sellers), but it has been recently renovated: new flooring, paint, etc. We will be using this as our first owner-occupied property, but my issue is that I am currently pregnant with baby #2 and we have a 13 month old. I'm concerned about lead exposure to myself and our children, so here's my question:

Do we test for lead paint so we can know of any risk factors to our family, but then also risk that if tests come back positive for lead levels, we will have to disclose our knowledge of lead paint in the home to tenants (and open ourselves up to possible law suits in the future)? Or do we not test for lead levels because of the recent paint jobs that will likely have covered up any/all exposed lead paint? Thanks for your thoughts!

[Russell Brazil]

If you are worried about lead paint exposure, dont chew on the windows sills, and dont lick the walls. Also dont let your kids do those things.