Lead Paint in Older Toowoomba Homes

Which homes

Australian homes built before 1970 are the most likely to have lead-based paint, though newer homes can have it too, because lead limits in paint were tightened gradually over the following decades. In Toowoomba, that takes in most Queenslanders, federation homes, cottages and many post-war houses, inside and out.

When it matters

Lead paint in good condition, not flaking, chalking or being disturbed, is not an emergency. The risk comes from dust and chips: when old paint is sanded, scraped or burned off, it releases lead dust that is easily breathed in or swallowed. Young children and pregnant women are most at risk.

What good practice looks like

Government guidance on lead-safe painting, including the federal Lead Alert guide, sets out the basics:

• Test first. Before preparation starts, test surfaces to find out whether lead is present.
• No dry sanding or sandblasting. Wet scraping and wet sanding keep dust down.
• Contain the work area with drop sheets and keep children and pets away.
• Clean up properly with wet methods and suitable vacuums, not a household broom or vacuum.

Questions to ask a painter

How will you check for lead? What methods will you use to remove loose paint? How will the work area be contained and cleaned? A painter who works on older homes should answer all three without hesitation.

Next step

For older homes, see Queenslander and heritage painting, or phone 0468 069 048 to request a painter.

Sources: Lead Alert: The six step guide to painting your home (Australian Government, 5th edition); Queensland Government guidance on lead-based paint.