It is estimated that over 70% of U.S. homes have lead paint on the walls. It is a medically proven fact that lead causes developmental problems in children and adults are not immune to health problems when exposed to it. If the lead paint would stay on the walls it would be relatively safe; however, over time, all paint flakes and releases particles into the air, exposing inhabitants to lead. This is why it is important that lead paint be abated if the home is going to be inhabited. The two main methods of abatement are removal and encapsulation. Removal is an expensive and tedious process. Encapsulation, on the other hand, is less expensive and works well without having to bring in experts to deal with the dust during removal. Encapsulation involves painting over the lead paint. However, ordinary paints cannot be used as effective encapsulation paints. The EPA and HUD have strict tests the paint must pass in order to be considered safe for encapsulation. Encapsulation paint provides a barrier against the toxic lead beneath. These paints can be applied with regular brushes and rollers and look like ordinary paint when dry. However, they are thicker and it will take more paint to cover the wall than it would with ordinary paint.