Lower IQ scores, learning disabilities and stunted growth are just a few of the problems associated with lead poisoning in children.

It is why many parents are concerned, especially if they live in a home built before 1978.

But did you know you can get your house tested for free?

Action News anchor Steve Wolford has the details behind a program designed to help you rest easier.  

"I think it is that thing that everybody in Las Vegas searches for, you know that feeling of family and neighbors coming together and knowing your neighbors," said Becky Davis.

The Davis family loves their neighborhood in an older area of town near Desert Inn and Eastern.

Russell Davis' house was built in 1969. 

They bought it for the big lot, the mature landscaping and other great features.

But Russell did have one major concern when he bought the house.

"I remember when we purchased the house, we had to sign a disclosure form that there was a chance there could be lead paint in the house," said Russell.

At the time, the Davis' did not have any children but now that Isabella and Ben are part of their lives, their concerns are different.

Despite the major remodeling they have done, they wonder if there are any lead hazards left in the house.

"It is definitely a concern as parents that we need to take every precaution if there is some," said Russell.

So they have taken advantage of a free service offered by the Southern Nevada Health District and UNLV.

The program performs comprehensive lead testing on homes built before 1978.

"Most of the data show us that the older the home, the more likely it is to be leaded," said Shawn Gerstenberger.

The testing takes about an hour depending on the size of the house and it will not leave any damage or marks behind.

"We have basically a device that looks like a scanning gun you have at the supermarket. You place it on the wall and it takes about 8 seconds then it makes a beep and gives you a reading," explained Shawn.

Russell and Becky were impressed with how thorough the testing was.

"He is doing the kitchen right now, so if he finds it in the kitchen, that is ok because I really want a new kitchen," explained Becky as the testing was being done.

The Davis' did not expect to find any lead and were surprised when they got the results.

"They told us that the house is fine but there is some lead upstairs in the tile and the bathtub," said Russell.

The lead was found the bathroom usually used by their two kids.

"Many of the older bathtubs that we see in a vast majority of the homes have a lead glaze on them. But in this case it is intact and it is in very good condition. It is not chipping or falling onto the floor," said Shawn.

It would only pose an immediate hazard if they decide to remodel the bathroom.

Still, it remains a concern for the Davis family.

"It is the one room that they do have their mouths in the tub and they do have their hands all over things. I mean, they do not have it on the windowsills, but they surely have it in the tub," said Becky.  

The scariest thing about lead poisoning is most kids do not ever show any symptoms.

So Russ and Becky are happy they now know what areas in their home might pose a problem.

So far the people from UNLV have tested 55 homes in the Las Vegas Valley.

11 were found to have lead based paint that was chipping, peeling or cracking.

Based on the records they have seen, there are tens of thousands of homes in the Las Vegas Valley that were built before 1978.

If you are interested in the free testing, call 895-5449.

Stay tuned to Action News as we monitor developing news around the Valley.