Lead Paint

Lead is a highly toxic metal that has been used in a variety of household products for many years. The highest risk of exposure comes from deteriorating lead-based paint.

Children under 6 years old are the most vulnerable to the health risks associated with lead paint exposure. Side effects range from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death. Babies can suffer the ill effects of lead exposure even before they are born, and children can appear fine yet still have elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream. Lead levels in exposed children often increase between 6 months and 1 year, and peak at 18 to 24 months. Roughly 900,000 Americans between the ages of 1 and 5 have heightened levels of lead in their bodies.

Adults exposed to high levels of lead can also suffer a number of health consequences. Reproductive problems (both male and female), high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration difficulty, and muscle and join pain have all been associated with lead paint exposure.

Lead paint saw widespread usage in homes built before 1978, when the federal government established laws banning its use. Still, many homes, apartment complexes and buildings built before 1978 contain lead-based paint, which could become hazardous if its condition becomes poor. In good condition, lead paint does not cause damage; it is only when the paint deteriorates that it requires immediate attention.

There are a number of ways for lead paint to get into the body. One of the most common is through ingestion of cracked paint that has turned into dust through chipping, sanding or heating. The dust gets into the air and creates a hazard for all who breathe in the particles. Renovation projects often create this type of disturbance. Lead paint on areas that are touched frequently, such as windowsills, doors, doorframes, stairs and banisters is also hazardous, especially for children who often touch things and then put their hands in their mouths. Old painted toys and furniture can also be contaminated with lead paint.

In order to determine if your home has lead paint contamination, a professional inspector should be called to assess the danger. A paint inspection can determine the lead content of all the paint in a home, but cannot analyze the risk factors; a risk assessment can find the sources of high levels of lead and then provide ways to eliminate the hazards. In rental units, landlords are required by law to inform tenants of the possibility of lead-based paint contamination. A lead paint disclosure must accompany all leases for building units built before 1978.

If lead paint found in your home is determined to be detrimental, removal should occur immediately. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns against doing this on your own, as removal can cause more damage. Call a lead-based paint professional to perform the removal service.

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