lead and lead-based paint |
When lead is ingested the body mistakes the lead for calcium. As a result the lead attaches itself to the enzymes essential to the functioning of the brain and other organs. Because lead is an element, the human body is not able to break it down into a more tolerable substance and eliminate it. Children under the age of 6 are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning. | In general, the older your home the more likely it is to have lead-based paint. The federal government banned the use of lead-based paint for residential housing in 1978, over 20 years ago. Painted surfaces containing lead can still be found in homes in the city or suburbs, in apartments and in both private and public housing, inside and outside of the house. Lead can also be found in the soil around the outside of homes from chalking or peeling paint or from other sources, such as the past use of leaded gasoline in cars (Lead was outlawed as an automotive gasoline additive in the U.S. in 1986.) Lead-based paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking is a health hazard and requires immediate attention. Lead-based paint is also a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These areas would include windows and window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings, and banisters, porches, and fences. Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry-scraped, dry sanded or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can reenter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through it. |
What about remodeling or renovating a home that contains lead-based paint? Take precautions before you begin remodeling or making renovations that disturb painted surfaces (such as scraping off paint or tearing out walls.) Have the area tested for lead-based paint. DO NOT use a dry scraper, belt sander, propane torch or heat gun to remove lead-based paint. These will create large amounts of lead dust and fumes. Lead dust can remain in your home long after the work is done. Temporarily move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can't move your family, at least completely seal off the work area. You can find out about other safety measures by calling 1-800-424-LEAD. Ask for the brochure "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home." This brochure explains what to do before, during, and after renovations. How do I check my home for lead? A paint inspection can tell you the lead content of every painted surface in your home. It won't tell you whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal with it. A risk assessment tells you if there are sources of serious lead exposure, such as peeling paint or lead dust, in or around your home. It also tells you what actions to take to address these problems. Have qualified professionals do the work. The federal government has standards for inspectors and risk assessors. Call the Ohio Department of Health at 1-614-466-1450 for help with locating licensed, qualified professionals in your area. Home test kits are available, but the federal government is still testing their reliability. |
How do I check my family for lead? A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Blood tests are important for children who are 6 months to 1 year old (6 months if you live in an older building or home that might have lead in the paint) and family members that you think might have high levels of lead. If your child is older than 1 year, talk to your doctor about whether your child needs testing. Your doctor or health center can do blood tests. They are inexpensive and sometimes free. Your doctor will explain what the test results mean. Treatment can range from changes in your diet to medication or a hospital stay. |
• If you rent, notify your landlord about peeling or chipping paint. • Clean up paint chips immediately. • Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner. Never mix ammonia and bleach products together! They can form a dangerous gas! • Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas. • Wash childrens' hands often, especially before they eat and before nap time and bed time. • Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly. • Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces. • Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil. • Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium as found in foods such as spinach and low-fat dairy products. Children with good diets absorb less lead. |
• If paint chips or soil containing lead are eaten. • If lead dust is breathed. | • Children's growing bodies absorb more lead. • Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. |
Adults can suffer from muscle and joint pain, memory and concentration problems, nerve disorders, digestive problems, high blood pressure, reproductive problems, and difficulties during pregnancy. Children suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, behavioral and learning problems (such as hyperactivity,) slowed growth, hearing problems, and headaches. • 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 or cooking and run your water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours. • Your Job. If you work with lead you could bring it home on your person or on your clothes. Shower and change clothes before arriving home. Launder your clothes separately from the rest of the family's. • 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 such as "Greta" or "Azarcon" that contain lead and are used to treat upset stomach. | LANDLORDS are required to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases will include a federal form about lead-based paint. SELLERS are required to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before selling a home. RENOVATORS & CONTRACTORS are required to give you a pamphlet disclosing lead hazards prior to starting work. The National Lead Information Center 1-800-LEAD-FYI or 1-800-424-LEAD EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 US Dept of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) www.hud.gov Ohio Department of Health 1-800-554-7447 |