What should be done if a painted surface has not been tested for lead?

Assuming that a painted surface contains lead is the correct approach when it has not been tested. This precaution is critical because many older buildings, structures, and residences were painted with lead-based paint, which poses significant health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. By taking the stance that the surface may contain lead, one prioritizes safety and ensures that appropriate measures, such as testing or lead abatement procedures, are taken before any renovation or disturbance occurs. This helps mitigate the risk of lead exposure and aligns with recommended safety practices in lead abatement protocols.

When surfaces are not tested, ignoring the risk could lead to severe health consequences, as lead can be hazardous when ingested or inhaled. Relying solely on visual inspections is not sufficient because lead paint cannot be identified by appearance alone, as newer paints can look similar to those that contain lead. Applying a sealant without prior testing also poses a risk since doing so might encapsulate lead paint without addressing the underlying hazard, potentially trapping lead dust or chips that could still be harmful. Therefore, assuming the presence of lead leads to necessary precautions and testing to confirm lead safety.