We all want to make sure that we are living in a safe,
healthy environment. One area where we
do have control is in our own homes.
Lead is one of the most dangerous elements that can be
present in a home, and young children, especially under two years of age, are
the most sensitive to lead poisoning. Lead was frequently used in paints prior to
1978, and flaking, peeling, and cracking paint create dust that can be breathed
through the air, or ingested by inquisitive children by chewing on or touching
painted surfaces such as window sills, stair railings and door frames. Though some lead is naturally present in the
outdoors, lead-based exterior paint can flake off and contaminate the soil around
the home and be tracked indoors so it is important to remove shoes at the door
and wash hands.
The risks of lead exposure to young children include lower
IQ, slower growth, learning and behavior problems and anemia. Unborn children are at risk also as lead is
stored in the mother's body and can be transferred to the fetus and via breast
milk to the infant. Adults are not
immune either, and high levels of lead in the body can lead to cardiovascular
problems, hypertension, kidney and reproductive issues among others.
The good news is that lead poisoning is entirely
preventable. For one thing, lead-free
paint was banned for residential use in 1978, so if your home is newer than
that, there should not be cause for concern.
According to the EPA, houses built between 1960 and 1977 are 24% more
likely to contain lead-based paint than newer homes; between 1940 and 1959 69%
more likely; and before 1940 87% more likely.
But even if your house was built prior to 1978, if the paint is in good
condition; i.e., not peeling, cracking, or flaking, and sealed under layers of
newer paint, then there may be no cause for alarm. Frequent wiping down of painted surfaces and
vacuuming with a HEPA filter are good practices. But if in doubt, it is wise to test for the
presence of lead.
However, if a home is being remodeled, and was built prior
to 1978, it is likely that paint will be disturbed in the process. It is important to have the paint in the home
tested for lead content. The EPA's Lead
Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) "requires that firms
performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based
paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have
their firm certified by EPA (or an EPA authorized state), use certified renovators
who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work
practices". In Georgia, that means
that a Certified Renovator must be licensed by the Georgia Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) to supervise all RRP-regulated projects and to
perform lead testing on all surfaces that will be disturbed.
The removal of lead is a federally mandated process. A lead test must be performed on any home
from 1978 or older by a certified renovator.
The certified renovator must wear very specific protection gear and
properly secure the area being affected with multiple layers of
protection. If the paint involved is
outdoors, the soil or immediate area must be properly covered. One area which is generally overlooked is in
window replacement. Windows in homes
from 1978 or older may contain lead and can contaminate the area outside and
inside the house if it does contain lead and areas are not properly
protected.
If your home was built prior to 1978, and you are planning
to remodel, be sure to use a certified renovator to test for lead.
For more information from the Environmental Protection
Agency on how to keep your home safe and lead-free visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family#sl-home
