If you think your home has lead paint, the first step is to have it tested by a certified professional. Lead paint testing kits are also available at most hardware stores.
Once you know for sure that you're dealing with lead paint, the next step is to develop a plan to remove it safely. The best way to remove lead paint depends on the condition of the surfaces involved and whether or not there are children or pregnant women living in the home.
If the surface is in good condition and there are no children or pregnant women present, you can remove lead paint yourself using a chemical stripper designed specifically for lead-based paints. Be sure to follow all manufacturer's instructions carefully and ventilate the area well while working.
If the surface is in poor condition or if there are children or pregnant women in the home, it's best to hire a professional contractor experienced in safely removing lead-based paints. These contractors will usually use either an enclosed blasting method (such as sandblasting) or an encapsulation method (which involves painting over the lead paint with a thick sealant).