Lead

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are growing quickly.

Research suggests that the primary sources of lead exposure for most children are:
- deteriorating lead-based paint,
- lead contaminated dust, and
- lead contaminated residential soil.

EPA is playing a major role in addressing these residential lead hazards. In 1978, there were nearly three to four million children with elevated blood lead levels in the United States. By 2002, that number had dropped to 310,000 kids, and it continues to decline. While we still have a significant challenge, EPA is very proud of how federal, state, tribal, and private sector partners have coordinated efforts with the public to better protect our children.

Health Effects of Lead

*Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the U.S..* 

*Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.* 
 

  • People can get lead in their body if they:

    • Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths. 

    • Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead. 

    • Breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces).

  • Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because: 

    • Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths.  These objects can have lead dust on them. 

    • Children's growing bodies absorb more lead. 

    • Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

  • If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from: 

    • Damage to the brain and nervous system 

    • Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity) 

    • Slowed growth

    • Hearing problems

    • Headaches 

  • Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from: 

    • Difficulties during pregnancy

    • Other reproductive problems (in both men and women) 

    • High blood pressure

    • Digestive problems

    • Nerve disorders

    • Memory and concentration problems

    • Muscle and joint pain 

Where Lead is Found

*In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint. * 
 

  • Paint.  Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint.  The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978.  Some states stopped its use even earlier.  Lead can be found: 

    • In homes in the city, country, or suburbs. 

    • In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing. 

    • Inside and outside of the house. 

  • In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.) 

  • Household dust. (Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating lead-based paint or from soil tracked into a home.)

  • Drinking water. Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your plumbing might have lead in it: 

    • Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. 

    • Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours. 

  • The job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your family's clothes. 

  • Old painted toys and furniture. 

  • Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain. 

  • Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air. 

  • Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture. 

  • Folk remedies that contain lead, such as "greta" and "azarcon" used to treat an upset stomach. 

Are You Planning to Buy or Rent a Home Built Before 1978?

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. 

Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting or buying a pre-1978 housing: 

  • Residential Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Program

    • LANDLORDS have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. 

    • SELLERS have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint.  Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards. 

    • More information on the disclosure program.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#buy

 

  

Copyright 2006. Empire Property Inspections. All rights reserved