Kenosha County, Wisconsin has announced that its Live Lead Safe program is now available to help homeowners address paint-related health risks in older homes. The program targets residences built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned for residential use in the United States.
Lead paint remains one of the most widespread environmental hazards in American housing. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 24 million homes across the country still contain lead-based paint hazards. Wisconsin, like many Midwestern states with older housing stock, faces particular challenges with lead contamination in residential properties.
The Kenosha County program aims to reduce lead exposure risks for families living in these older homes. Lead paint becomes dangerous when it deteriorates, creating lead dust and paint chips that can contaminate household surfaces. Children are especially vulnerable because their developing bodies absorb lead more easily than adults.
Not sure if your home is affected? The DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit gives you certified lab results in days — no inspector needed. Identify lead paint in your home before you renovate →
Why Pre-1978 Homes Require Extra Attention
Before 1978, lead was commonly added to paint because it helped the paint dry faster, last longer, and resist moisture. Homes built during this era often have multiple layers of lead-based paint on walls, windows, doors, and trim. The older the home, the more likely it contains lead paint.
The risk increases significantly when paint begins to chip, peel, or crack. Renovation projects that disturb painted surfaces can also release lead dust into the air and onto floors and furniture. This is why the EPA requires contractors to follow lead-safe work practices when renovating homes built before 1978.
Homeowners planning any renovation or remodeling work in an older home should test painted surfaces before starting. Knowing whether lead paint is present allows you to take proper precautions and protect your family during the project.
Signs Your Home May Have Lead Paint
Several indicators suggest your home may contain lead-based paint:
- Age of the home: If your house was built before 1978, assume lead paint may be present until testing proves otherwise.
- Chipping or peeling paint: Deteriorating paint on windows, doors, stairs, or railings is a warning sign.
- Multiple paint layers: Older homes often have many coats of paint. Lead paint may be hidden under newer layers.
- Chalky residue: Lead paint often leaves a powdery substance as it ages.
Window frames and sills are common problem areas because the friction from opening and closing windows creates lead dust. Door frames, porches, and exterior trim are also high-risk locations.
What Wisconsin Homeowners Should Know
Wisconsin has one of the highest rates of older housing in the nation. Many homes in cities like Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Racine were built during the early 1900s when lead paint was standard. The Live Lead Safe program in Kenosha County represents a growing effort by local governments to address this legacy issue.
Homeowners who suspect lead paint in their homes should test before making any decisions about remediation. Professional inspections can be expensive and often require scheduling weeks in advance. Many homeowners prefer to start with a DIY paint chip test to get preliminary results quickly.
If you own a home built before 1978, especially in Wisconsin or other states with older housing stock, testing painted surfaces is a smart first step. The MycoTest DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit provides certified lab results and helps you understand exactly what you're dealing with before you renovate or hire a contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my house has lead paint?
The only way to confirm lead paint is through testing. Homes built before 1978 should be assumed to contain lead paint until tested. You can collect paint chip samples from suspect areas and send them to a certified lab for analysis.
Is lead paint dangerous if it's not peeling?
Intact lead paint in good condition poses less immediate risk than deteriorating paint. However, any renovation, sanding, or disturbance of painted surfaces can release lead dust. Testing before any home improvement project is recommended.
Can I remove lead paint myself?
The EPA strongly discourages DIY lead paint removal because improper methods can spread contamination throughout your home. If testing confirms lead paint, consult a certified lead abatement professional for safe removal options.
Sources
Kenosha County Live Lead Safe Program Announcement — kenoshacountywi.gov, June 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. MycoTest DIY kits are screening tools. For confirmed contamination, consult a certified environmental professional.
