Posted on October 14th, 2025.

Living in a community filled with history and charm brings a special kind of joy. The craftsmanship of older homes, the tree-lined streets, and the sense of tradition all create a comforting atmosphere. Yet beneath that beauty can lie hidden risks—one of the most concerning being lead exposure.

In homes built before 1978, when lead-based paint and plumbing materials were common, those risks can quietly affect families without visible warning. For parents raising children in places like Oak Park, River Forest, and nearby neighborhoods, understanding these hazards is an essential part of protecting your household’s health.

The issue of lead exposure isn’t new, but it continues to be relevant today. Cracked paint, worn window frames, and outdated plumbing can all release tiny lead particles that linger in dust or water. While invisible to the eye, these particles can accumulate in the body over time.

For young children, whose developing systems absorb lead more readily, even small amounts can impact growth and learning. Knowing where lead may be hiding—and how to prevent exposure—helps guarantee your family enjoys the benefits of historic living without the hidden costs.

Understanding Lead Exposure and Its Sources

Lead exposure occurs when lead is introduced into the body, typically through inhalation or ingestion. Children, particularly those under six, are more vulnerable due to their developing bodies and habits like putting hands or objects in their mouths. In older homes, the most common source of lead is deteriorating lead-based paint and the dust it produces. When you see chipped or peeling paint, it could possibly contain lead, posing a risk when children play nearby or when these particles spread through the air or reside on floors.

Furthermore, during renovations in such homes, lead dust can be unknowingly stirred up—a scenario where proper management and precautions are key. Although less frequently discussed, old painted surfaces like windowsills, door frames, and stairs are other potential lead sources, alongside dusty areas positioned near these historical paints.

Another significant source of lead exposure in older homes can be related to plumbing systems. Many homes in older neighborhoods like Oak Park, River Forest, and surrounding areas might still have pipes, solder, or fixtures containing lead. This is particularly concerning in places like Chicago, where the infrastructure might include lead service lines leading to homes; hence, you often hear the term "lead water."

When home plumbing, made with lead-containing materials, corrodes, especially with warm or acidic water, lead can leach into the water supply. This contamination can then occur when you use the tap for drinking, cooking, or even mixing baby formula. While boiling water removes bacteria, it doesn’t eliminate lead; in fact, it may concentrate the lead levels. Regularly running cold water for several minutes can help reduce this risk, but it may not eliminate it altogether.

Each of these sources can present a significant risk if left unchecked, especially during home renovations when protocols aren’t in place. In particular, remodeling tasks like sanding or demolition can release substantial amounts of lead dust into the air, which both adults and children can breathe in. Therefore, awareness and preventive measures, like sealing work areas and cleaning with HEPA-filter vacuums, can shield your family from harmful lead exposure in older homes.

Identifying and Mitigating Lead Hazards in Your Home

Protecting your home from lead begins with careful observation. Walk through your space and look for peeling or chipping paint, especially around high-use areas such as door frames, baseboards, and window trim. Run your hand gently along these surfaces—if you feel roughness or see paint flakes, that area may need testing.

The same goes for older outdoor features like railings and porches, where paint endures constant wear from the elements. Even soil near your home can contain traces of lead from old paint or vehicle emissions, particularly in bare patches where grass doesn’t grow.

If you suspect lead, don’t panic. Start by using an EPA-recognized lead test kit from a hardware store. These kits can identify contaminated paint, dust, or soil, helping you decide whether to call in professionals. In the meantime, seal peeling areas with tape or plastic to minimize dust spread. Clean floors and flat surfaces regularly with damp cloths, as dry dusting can push lead particles back into the air. When vacuuming, use a HEPA-filter vacuum—these are designed to trap fine particles effectively and keep air quality safer inside your home.

Water safety deserves special attention. Since lead can leach from older plumbing, always use cold water for drinking or cooking, and run taps for a few minutes before filling a glass or pot. Installing a filter certified for lead removal adds another layer of protection, especially in homes with known service line concerns. Replacing outdated fixtures over time can also reduce long-term exposure. For families in areas where “Chicago lead water” remains a concern, local health departments and utility companies can provide testing kits and advice tailored to your address.

During home renovations, take extra precautions. Projects involving sanding, demolition, or drilling can release large amounts of lead dust. Before beginning any remodel, ask contractors if they follow EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. Certified professionals use protective barriers, sealed work zones, and HEPA vacuums to contain and clean up safely. Never attempt to remove lead paint yourself without proper guidance—professional containment prevents accidental contamination far more effectively.

Incorporating these habits into your routine makes a real difference. Wipe children’s hands before meals, change clothes after outdoor play, and avoid tracking soil inside. Small habits compound into large protective measures over time. Together, these actions keep your home not only charming and historic but also safe, healthy, and ready to support the next generation.

Protecting Children Through Screening and Awareness

Even with the best precautions, ongoing awareness remains essential — especially for young children. Pediatric lead screening serves as an early warning system, detecting exposure before symptoms appear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing children at ages one and two if they live in or frequently visit homes built before 1978. In areas with older infrastructure, like Oak Park and Berwyn, healthcare providers may suggest follow-up tests for continued peace of mind.

Screening is simple but powerful. A quick blood test can reveal elevated lead levels long before they cause visible effects. When caught early, intervention can include medical guidance, nutrition adjustments, and home safety evaluations that limit further exposure. Pediatricians often work with local health departments to connect families to certified inspectors or environmental health experts, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Recognizing early symptoms of lead exposure is equally important. Signs can include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or developmental delays. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for ordinary childhood issues, but when combined with potential home risks, they warrant attention. If you notice persistent behavioral changes or unexplained tiredness, discuss them with your pediatrician right away. Prompt testing can prevent long-term complications and reassure you of your child’s safety.

In addition to medical monitoring, community education plays a vital role. Local health departments frequently host workshops on lead-safe cleaning and renovation practices. Participating in these programs builds awareness and confidence, helping parents feel equipped to maintain safety standards at home. Engaging with these resources also strengthens neighborhood advocacy, ensuring that lead reduction remains a community-wide priority.

Creating a lead-safe lifestyle means staying informed and proactive. Keep communication open with healthcare providers, request educational materials during checkups, and review updates from your local environmental agencies. Prevention thrives on consistency—routine cleaning, mindful renovation planning, and periodic testing all reinforce one another. By making lead safety a natural part of family care, you make sure that your home remains a healthy foundation for your child’s growth.

Ultimately, protecting your children from lead exposure is a partnership between families, professionals, and communities. Every step—from regular screenings to proper renovation practices—contributes to a healthier, more secure environment for generations to come.

Related: Why Fall is Best for Kids' Vaccines: COVID, Flu & More

A Healthier Future for Your Family Starts at Home

Creating a home that balances heritage and safety begins with knowledge and follow-through. By recognizing potential lead sources and taking proactive steps, you safeguard your family without sacrificing the character that makes your space unique. From maintaining painted surfaces to installing water filters and scheduling pediatric screenings, every action moves you closer to peace of mind. Protecting your family from lead exposure isn’t a one-time task—it’s a continuing commitment to care and awareness.

At Express Care Urgent Care, we help families take that commitment further. Our pediatric lead screenings, sports physicals, and in-home or virtual visits make preventive care convenient and accessible. Whether your home is a recent renovation or a century-old treasure, our team offers trusted guidance to keep your children safe and thriving. We’re here to make proactive health care easy and affordable.

Schedule your visit today for a $50 flat rate and take the next step toward a safer, healthier home environment.

For direct assistance, feel free to reach out at (708) 719-9954 or [email protected].