Lead-based paint is common in older homes, especially ones built before 1978, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. An extremely toxic metal, lead causes a variety of health issues, to which children 6 and younger are particularly vulnerable. Everything from behavior problems and learning disorders to seizures and death have been attributed to lead poisoning from household sources. If you know that your house contains lead-based paint, get your children's lead levels tested and take immediate steps to protect your family from further exposure.
Temporarily Managing Lead in Your Home
Lead from paint can get into the dust floating around your home. which can significantly increase your family's exposure to the toxin. If you find that the paint in your home is lead-based, immediately sweep up and dispose of all loose paint chips in and around the house. Clean your home's window sills, window frames, and other surfaces weekly using a cleaner specifically made for lead. When you are done cleaning, thoroughly rinse the sponges you used to do the cleaning. Lastly, ask all family members and guests to remove their shoes when entering the home, as soil around old homes often has lead dust in it, and removing shoes can prevent that lead dust from being tracked into your home.
Protecting Your Children
Children under 6 tend to put their hands and other objects in their mouths, which is one reason they are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. In a lead-contaminated home, objects will often have a coating of lead-laced dust. To protect your children from this, regularly clean their toys, pacifiers, bottles, and stuffed animals to rinse off excess dust. Monitor your children closely to prevent them from chewing on surfaces in the home. Also, wash their hands several times per day; be especially sure to do this before they eat or sleep, times when children tend to put their hands in or near their mouths. Make sure your children are eating healthfully; kids who eat a balanced diet full of healthy fruits, vegetables, and protein absorb lead less readily than malnourished children.
Getting the Lead Out
When you are ready to permanently remove the lead from your home, consult a local lead-abatement specialist. During the consultation, the specialist will assess your lead problem, and recommend one or several solutions. Sometimes, lead-removal contractors will recommend completely removing the paint from your home. Sealing the paint in or enclosing it with specialized materials is another option. Whatever your choice, leave it to the professionals. Trying to remove or seal the paint yourself can result in dangerous exposure levels for you and your family. Certified contractors are thoroughly trained, and follow specific safety guidelines.
To find out more about the dangers of lead or lead removal, you can call the Environmental Protection Agency's lead hotline at 800-424-5323, or visit its website through the link in the Resources section.
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