Lead exposure can be a serious health risk that comes from lead based products exposed 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 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.
Lead is commonly found in paint, dust, air, soil, and gasoline. Also, 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.
About one in six children in America has high levels of lead in their blood, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. You may have lead exposure around your home or building without knowing it because you can’t see, taste, 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.
Affects of lead on your child’s health:
- Learning disabilities
- Decreased growth
- Hyperactivity
- Impaired hearing
- Brain damage
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.
Protect yourself from the dangers of lead poisoning. 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 to protect your family and home from lead poising.
Be aware of the hazards that can be in your home. Particularly if you are thinking of remodeling, Contact Healthy Homes to find out how we can help evaluate and cure your home from lead exposure.