Lead
Introduction
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products and construction materials found in homes. Lead enters the body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. When lead enters the body it is quickly absorbed and concentrates in the internal organs and central nervous system, including the brain.Health Effects of Lead
Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children under 6 years old are most susceptible because their bodies are growing quickly.Sources of Lead
Paint - One of the commonest sources of lead poisoning throughout the United States is lead based paint. Many houses built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. Prior to 1978 lead was added to paint to increase luster and durability. The Federal Government banned lead based paint in 1978. However, deteriorating paint still remains a major health hazard, especially for young children. Consumption of a fragment of leaded paint, as big as a grain of salt, can result in increased blood lead levels. According to HUD about 25 million homes in the US contain significant amounts of hazardous paint. Children and adults can become seriously lead poisoned from leaded paint dust during renovation and remodeling of older homes. It is important to know if your home contains leaded paint before remodeling.Toys - The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recently required the Fisher-Price company to recall 100,000 imported toys manufactured in China. Surface paints on these toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Children’s jewelry may also contain lead.
Gasoline - Leaded gasoline was only recently banned in this country. However, much of the lead produced by vehicles emissions prior to the ban remains in soil where it was deposited over the years. Children should not play in bare soil in areas where lead contamination is suspected.
Water - Some older homes still have plumbing with lead pipes. A simple laboratory test can determine if residential water contains lead.