New Orleans is a city rich in culture, architecture, and history—but with that history comes a hidden hazard lurking in many of its beautiful homes: lead paint. While lead-based paint was banned for residential use in the U.S. in 1978, the majority of New Orleans homes were built long before then. This means that lead-based paint is still present on walls, trim, doors, and windows in thousands of homes across the city. If left untreated, it poses serious health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women.
Why Lead Paint Is Dangerous
Lead paint deteriorates over time, creating dust and chips that can easily be inhaled or ingested. Even tiny amounts of lead exposure can cause developmental delays, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and damage to the brain and nervous system. Children are especially vulnerable, as their growing bodies absorb lead more easily. Pregnant women exposed to lead are also at risk of complications, including premature birth and developmental issues in the unborn child.
Many homeowners in New Orleans are unaware that lead-based paint is still present in their homes. Since the signs aren’t always obvious, the danger often goes unnoticed until someone becomes sick or a property inspection reveals the hazard. This is why lead based paint removal is not only a smart investment—it’s a necessary step in protecting your family’s health.
The Scope of the Problem in New Orleans
New Orleans has one of the highest percentages of older homes in the country. In some neighborhoods, up to 80% of the housing stock was built before 1950. That makes lead paint contamination a widespread issue. Add to that the region’s humid climate, which accelerates the deterioration of paint, and you have a recipe for increased exposure risk.
The city has made some strides in addressing this problem, including public awareness campaigns and regulations for contractors working in older homes. However, many homeowners still haven’t taken the necessary steps to assess or remediate the lead hazards in their properties. Often, it’s because they’re unaware of the issue, or they believe removal is too expensive or complicated.
What Homeowners Need to Know
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a high chance it contains lead-based paint. Even if the surface looks intact, any renovation, repair, or disturbance to the painted area can release toxic lead dust. This is especially dangerous during DIY projects or unregulated construction work. Without proper containment and disposal, lead dust can spread throughout the home and linger for months.
Professional lead based paint removal is the safest and most effective solution. Licensed contractors follow strict EPA guidelines, using protective equipment and containment systems to prevent contamination. At Legacy Construction, we specialize in working with historic homes and know exactly how to handle lead paint abatement with care and precision. We don’t just remove the paint—we restore your home to a safe, livable condition without compromising its historic charm.
Why You Should Act Now
Delaying lead based paint removal puts your family’s health at risk. Even small renovations like replacing a window or sanding a doorframe can release hazardous particles into the air. If you’re planning to sell your home, disclose laws also require you to inform buyers of any known lead paint hazards, which can affect the sale price or delay closing.
By addressing the issue now, you protect your family, comply with federal regulations, and preserve the value of your home. Plus, with available grants and tax incentives for lead hazard control, the process might be more affordable than you think.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Home and Family Today
At Legacy Construction, we’re committed to helping New Orleans homeowners create safer, healthier living environments. If your home was built before 1978, don’t leave your family’s safety to chance. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn more about professional lead based paint removal services.
Your home deserves care. Your family deserves safety. Legacy Construction can help you achieve both.
