Healthy Homes

 Lead poisoning can be a serious health risk that lurks in many of our homes. Lead-based paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning, especially in children. In 1978 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of lead paint in homes. Any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paints. Lead paint becomes particularly dangerous when it peels, chips, or is dusty. You are at high risk when you remodel your home or even disturb an area greater than two square feet containing lead paint.

75% of lead in the home is found in paint. However, plumbing in homes may be soldered with lead. As a result, lead can leach into your drinking water. A water test can determine if your water contains dangerous levels of lead.

Children are the most at risk for lead poisoning. It takes much less lead to poison a child than an adult. Lead can unknowingly damage children's hearing, brain and nervous systems. However, adults can also develop problems due to overexposure to lead. Lead poisoning can cause difficulties in pregnancy and reproductive problems in men and women. It can promote high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders and memory and concentration problems.

About one in six children in America have high levels of lead in their blood, according to the Angency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.  You may have lead around your home or building without knowing it because you can't see, tasete, or smell lead. You may have lead in the dust, paint or soil in and around your home or in your drinking water or food.  Because it does not break down naturally, lead can remain a problem until it is removed.

 Lead Paint is in:

Paint

Gasoline

Water pipes

Affects On Your Child's Health:

Learning Disabilities

Decreased Growth

Hyperactivity

Impaired Hearing

Brain Damage

Protect yourself from the dangers of lead poisoning. The EPA considers lead a very serious problem. At their web site they offer documents describing the hazards of lead in our homes. Be aware, if you are having a contractor perform work on your home, federal law mandates that they must provide you with the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." You can also request this information from the EPA web site.

Be aware of the hazards that can be in your home. Particularly if you are thinking of remodeling, contact us . Healthy Homes can evaluate your home for lead, asbestos and other dangerous environmental concerns. We use safe methods for removing lead paint and other hazardous materials from your home.