Lead Poisoning in the Home: What You Can Do About It

Though the general public is now well aware of the health risks posed by lead, lead poisoning may be still a health risk present in your home today. While most modern homes being built today stay away from using lead-based materials, older homes may still present a risk. Here is how you can find out if lead is a threat in your home, and what you can do about it.

What is lead and how is it harmful?

Lead is a toxic metal that for many years was used in paint and other products found in and around our homes. Lead can be emitted into the air from industrial sources and can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. It can cause a range of health effects, for which children six years and younger are especially at risk; including developing learning disabilities, behavioral problems, or even seizure and death.

What lead products could be posing a hazard in my home?

If your home was built 30 years ago or earlier, it may have been painted with lead-based paints. If the paint is beginning to chip in places, your young children are especially at risk. Homes built before 1990 may also contain water pipes that are susceptible to lead exposure.

Your family may be at risk not only because of your home but because of the products you have brought into it. Beware of plastic that contains PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which may be found in anything from children’s toys to backpacks. Take special care to remove any candles with metallic cores in the wicks, which are especially risky because of the vapor given off when the candles are burned.

How do I know if lead poisoning is a threat in my home?

Just because lead-based products were used in your home, it does not necessarily mean your home is at risk. What can you do about it? It’s strongly advised you get a professional to check your home. There are two ways you can do this:

1. A paint inspection will tell you the lead content of every different type of painted surface in your home. However, it won’t tell you if the paint is a hazard or what you should do about it.
2. A risk assessment will tell you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure, and what actions you can take to address these hazards.

Do-it-yourself kits exist for checking for lead hazards, but tests have shown these kits to be unreliable, so it’s a job best left to the professionals.

If you have young children, the most important thing to do is ask your doctor for advice. A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead in the blood, which is especially important if your children are aged 0-2 or may have been exposed to high levels of lead.

What can I do about it?

• First, remove any products that may pose a threat for lead poisoning.
• If you believe your pipes may be a hazard, be sure to let the cold water in the home run for a few minutes before using it, which will allow any lead particles that have built up to drain.
• Clean up paint chips immediately, sweeping and mopping floor at least once per week.
• Clean window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly.
• If you rent, notify your landlord immediately of any peeling or chipping paint.
• Make sure your children eat healthy and nutritious meals, as children with healthy diets absorb less lead.
• Plant grass to cover soil with high lead levels.

Finally, and most importantly, if you want to permanently remove lead hazards, you will have to hire a certified lead “abatement” contractor. Always hire a person who specializes in correcting lead problems, and will have the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly.