Lead paint testing is usually performed on painted surfaces in dwellings built prior to 1978. Approximately ﾾ of these homes contain lead-based paint which is extremely toxic to the human nervous system. Lead paint testing determines the amount of lead in these paints that may prove to be hazardous to any human occupants. If testing reveals the levels of lead are high, the owner of the property may opt to have the paint removed so as to avoid the potential of exposure. Interestingly, only lead-based paint that is chipping, cracked or peeling posses a health risk to humans. If the paint is still intact and uniform there is no risk of injury. Any dwellings that are federally owned or federally funded are required to undergo lead paint testing.