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Lead poisoning. We've heard about it for over 15 years, but it's in and out of the media so often, who knows what to believe? This bulletin contains the up-to-date information on lead risks, testing and remedies you need to protect those you care about.
Where lead lurks
House paints. Most pre-1977 house paints contained at least some lead. So, the walls and woodwork in older buildings--inside and out—are often literally covered with lead. This lead source is particularly hazardous if the paint is chipping or peeling or is sanded off, creating lead dust.
Drinking water. Some water pipes in older buildings are made of lead. And most copper-piped structures plumbed before 1986 are soldered with lead-containing solder.
Soil. While lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts nearly everywhere, the soil near heavily-used streets may contain lead as a result of past use of leaded gasoline. Lead may have also contaminated soil adjacent to houses with lead-based paint. Lead buildup in the soil may contribute to high lead levels in household dust.
Industrial sources. Adults who work in industries that use or handle lead (such as car battery plants, radiator shops or construction trades) are subject to lead contamination. They can also carry lead home on their clothes.
Other. Some imported toys and pottery may still contain lead-based paints or glazes. Leaded crystal may be another source.
How lead gets into our bodies
Basically, we eat or breathe lead. Either directly or via unwashed food or hands, we may eat small chips of lead-based paints or particles of leadcontaminated soil or dust. We may also drink leaded water or other water-based beverages such as tea. If we breathe leaded dust particles, some of them may get caught in our nose and lungs and whisked into our blood streams.
Lead poisons us
If undiagnosed and untreated, lead poisoning can cause severe and irreversible damage to the nervous system. If caught early, on the other hand, lead poisoning's damage can be reversed by medical treatment and/or eliminating exposure.
In adults, warning signs include irritability and poor muscle coordination. In children watch for fussiness, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, a reduced attention span, inability to sleep and infrequent bowel movements.
But physical signs of lead poisoning appear only after significant exposure has occurred. A blood test (as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)) is the only early detection method. Call your doctor about test availability and costs.
Did you know...
- 74% of homes built before 1980 contain lead paint.
- Lead levels half as high as the current EPA limit are enough to permanently lower children's IQs. Just 10 micrograms a day (the equivalent of about 3 grains of sugar) can place a child in danger.
- As many as 40 million Americans are consuming dangerous amounts of lead in their drinking water.
Children are most at risk
Young children (six and under) are most susceptible to lead damage. For one, they put everything in their mouths--including leaded paint and dirt. Their relative size and developmental stage also makes them vulnerable. Even fetuses may be harmed in utero by lead that does not affect the mother.
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Checking your home's safety
First, determine your home's age. If it was built before 1977, it may well contain lead-based paint. If the house was plumbed before 1986, the pipes may be lead or contain lead solder.
Next, consider the home's maintenance. Have walls and woodwork been washed regularly? Are painted surfaces in good condition (no flaking), and has the interior been painted at least twice in the past 10-15 years? Have carpets and upholstery been vacuumed and cleaned often?
Finally, take a look at your plumbing. Are your pipes copper, galvanized steel or lead? Remember, even copper pipes can contaminate water if they've been soldered with lead.
Testing for lead
You should have walls, woodwork and trim tested for lead-based paint if your property was built before 1977 and has been poorly maintained has paint in poor condition, or if you are planning renovations that will disturb the paint surface.
Homes near heavily traveled roads and homes with exterior lead-based paint may have lead contamination in the surrounding soil. These conditions also warrant testing. If you have lead pipes, you will want to have your drinking water tested for lead, too.
Testing methods range from small home test kits to actual laboratory analyses of paint samples. Ask your local health department for more information about having your home tested.
Remedying lead problems
Experts believe the greatest immediate sources of lead exposure are household dust containing lead from old paint and contaminated soil. Even if your home has these problems, though, there are precautions you can take:
Thoroughly wash walls, woodwork, windows and windowsills to remove dust. Use soap and water and change the wash water often.
Thoroughly clean furniture, carpets and window coverings. This may include frequent vacuuming and steam cleaning to remove settled dust and dirt.
Hose off sidewalks, porches and steps often so that leaded soil or dust isn't tracked into the house.
Cover exposed soil in your yard by planting grass or groundcover.
Make sure children learn good personal hygiene; hands and faces should be washed frequently.
Pay close attention to where your children play and what goes into their mouths.
Lead removal: leave it to the pros
Complete lead paint removal and disposal is not a project for the do-it-yourselfer. Experts recommend that property owners contact the local health department or nearest HUD office for guidance.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER sand the leaded paint or burn it off with a torch or heat gun. Lead dust and smoke or fumes are very dangerous.
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