Lead Paint!

You’d be hard pressed to sell a home with such a label attached to it because of lead paint. And yet, many older homes in the United States might qualify. You see, prior to 1978, lead paint and other products containing lead were widely used in homes and offices. Chipping and peeling lead paint can expose occupants to this hazardous material.

In addition, many older plumbing systems utilized lead based solder to join pipes. This lead can leech into the water, especially when running hot water. In certain areas, high concentrations of lead can even be found in the ground soil.

Unknown in years past, it is now clear that lead causes a number of health-related problems. In children this can include growth and learning disabilities, headaches and even brain damage. Adults are not immune either. High levels of lead have been tied to problem pregnancies, high-blood pressure and digestive problems.

Many solutions exist for cleaning up lead paint concentrations. Depending upon your situation, you may find one of these an adequate solution. Removing lead paint, for example, may be as much trouble as it is worth.

First, just the act of stripping the lead paint from the walls is likely to create dust and debris which is more likely to be ingested. Given these hazards, you should consult a certified contractor to complete this kind of work.

Short of removing the lead paint, you may be able to get by with covering the old, lead paint with a coat of sealant specifically designed for this purpose. Once again, a certified contractor will be able to recommend an appropriate solution. Financial assistance is even available in certain circumstances.

So even though a house may not carry a warning label from the EPA, a little common sense and a sharp eye should keep your family safe.

BACK < Environment