What
Is Lead?
Lead, element number 82Pb is a common building component used primarily in paint, plumbing fixtures, plumbing pipes, and plumbing pipe solder. Lead can also be found in household dust, printing inks, pottery, dishes, canned foods, pewter, leaded glassware, leafy vegetables grown in high lead content soil, and has even been used in paint on children's toys. Lead can also be found in high concentrations in the soil surrounding main traffic routes and homes as a result of leaded gasoline fallout.Fortunately, most lead use for residential construction was discontinued around 1978. Lead free materials are now available to replace their older counter parts although not always used.
Why
Is Lead Dangerous?
Lead is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Our bodies cannot distinguish lead from the other minerals that our bodies actually need like iron and calcium so it is sent directly to our vital organs. Lead is then deposited in these organs, our brain and bone marrow. Women of child bearing age and children are considered to be at greatest risk. Children are at very high risk for several reasons including: the way a child's body assimilates lead (thinking it's a vital nutrient), having a body that is still trying to develop, having a low body weight compared to the amounts of lead they can consume and the constant hand/toy to mouth contact most children practice. Women are considered to be in the high risk category especially during pregnancy since lead deposits transfer directly to the unborn fetus. Remodeling and home improvements often create extremely hazardous conditions.
What
Are The Health Effects Of Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning produces a variety of symptoms that are often overlooked as everyday medical complaints including: loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, irritability, fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle aches, lack of concentration, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, hearing dysfunction, decreased sex drive, miscarriage and moodiness. Severe damage can occur to all of the blood forming, nervous, urinary and reproductive systems. Medical problems include: stomach pains, nausea, anorexia, high blood pressure, anemia, wrist or foot drop, delayed development, colic, constipation or diarrhea, tremors, convulsions, and seizures. Lead has also been proven to significantly lower the I.Q. in children, perhaps permanently. For these reasons, the U.S. Centers For Disease Control lowered the amount of lead considered to be hazardous in children from 25 micro liters per deciliter of blood to 10. If you suspect lead poisoning, seek the help of a qualified physician capable of performing a true blood lead test. Have your home or suspected items tested as soon as possible.
Do
Many Homes Have A Lead Problem?
Yes. Chances are that if your home was built before 1950, you do have lead based paint. 1950 to 1980 and your chances are about 50/50. The only way to know for sure is to test. Also consider testing your next home before you buy it. If you live in a newer home, it is still recommended that you test all the items in your home (see list above) for the presence of Lead.
How
Do I Test For Lead?
The Healthy Home Test Kit™ for Lead contains 3 test daubers and complete instructions. Just dip test dauber in a spoon of water (dauber will turn a pale yellow) and then rub the test area for 10 seconds. Allow up to 2 minutes for the color change to appear. If the test dauber or the test item turns a pink color, test surface contains lead.
If
There Is A Problem, How Do I Fix It?
We do not recommend that the average homeowner attempt to correct their own lead based paint problems since it is very easy to make the problems worse instead of better. Removal should be performed by skilled professionals to insure that the health and safety of the occupants is protected. Detailed safety guidelines for abatement have been established and should be followed precisely. Caution: Many cases of lead poisoning are the result of inexperienced persons attempting lead abatement. However, there are many safe ways to minimize your families exposure and are included with each lead test kit. Any item testing positive for lead like dishes, toys, etc. should not be used and should always be kept away from children.