About LeadPaintRisk.org
What This Tool Does
LeadPaintRisk.org helps you understand the lead paint risk at any U.S. address by analyzing Census Bureau data on housing age. Since lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, the age of housing in your area is the strongest predictor of lead paint presence.
How It Works
When you search an address, we:
- Identify the census tract for your location
- Look up the housing age distribution from the American Community Survey (ACS 5-Year Estimates)
- Calculate the percentage of housing built before 1978
- Compare your area to county, state, and national averages
Data Sources
All data comes from official U.S. government sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Table B25034 (Year Structure Built)
- FCC Census Block API — Address-to-census-tract geocoding
Risk Levels
| Level | Pre-1978 Housing | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| High | 60%+ | Most housing predates the lead paint ban. Professional testing strongly recommended. |
| Elevated | 40-60% | Significant portion of older housing. Testing recommended, especially with children present. |
| Moderate | 20-40% | Mixed housing ages. Consider testing if your specific home was built before 1978. |
| Low | Under 20% | Most housing is newer. Lower area-wide risk, but individual older homes may still contain lead paint. |
Important Disclaimer
This tool provides area-level risk estimates, not property-specific assessments. The only way to confirm lead paint in a specific home is through professional testing. This data should not replace a certified lead inspection.
For professional lead testing, contact your state or local health department.