By now we have all heard about the danger of pollutants in our drinking water, pollutants in our food, but what about pollutants in our walls? Lead is a heavy metal that is a surprisingly common danger found in homes. It is used in paints, gasoline and plumbing materials and is hazardous if swallowed or breathed. In U.S. state screenings, up to 10% of the children tested under the age of 6 show elevated blood lead levels.Sources of Lead
Most U.S. homes built before 1978 were painted with lead-based paints. It was only in 1978 with the realization of the dangers of lead exposure that the government banned the use of lead–based paints in housing. When lead-based paint deteriorates, the paint chips and lead dust can contaminate various surfaces around the home. Lead may contaminate normal dust in the house or soil around the painted exterior of the home. Even drinking water may become contaminated if lead is present in your plumbing materials.
Dangers of Lead Exposure
Lead poisoning is a result of inhaling or ingesting lead. Children are their bodies absorb more lead and their systems are more susceptible to the harmful effects. They also tend to have greater exposure as they often play near lead contaminated surfaces like floors and soil as well as encountering lead contaminated objects with their hands and mouths. Some effects of lead poisoning include learning disabilities, seizures, damage to the nervous system, and even death.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Symptoms of lead poisoning include stomachache, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and muscle weakness. Aside from these physical symptoms, there are also behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity, loss of appetite, lack of interest in playing, irritability, and learning problems in children. Even low blood lead levels of 10 mcg/dL have been shown to have lower children’s IQ levels. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recognized the level of 10 mcg/dL as sufficient for concern. In adults, behavioral symptoms would include irritability, inability to concentrate, memory loss, unexplained changes in mood, as well as changes in sleep patterns.
Lead Poisoning Prevention
There are various steps that can be taken to reduce health risks in the home like lead poisoning. If possible, remove any sources of lead. If you live in an old home, clean up paint chips from cracking or peeling paint. Clean floors, windows, and other exposed surfaces regularly to reduce lead dust. Be careful no to store food in lead-based crystal or pottery. Make sure that children don’t chew on window sills or furniture that has lead paint. Have your children tested for lead poisoning. Review your local water report or test it yourself to ensure that there are only safe levels of lead in your water.
If your paint is deteriorating, chipping or cracking, or if you choose to error on the side of caution, hire a professional to remove the paint. A lead abatement contractor will test for lead and safely remove lead hazards completely from your home.
