Homeowners have been aware of the dangers of lead paint for years, but knowing what the actual health hazards are is important. Knowing the health effects that lead paint may have will encourage you to replace the paint quickly and take the necessary steps to protect your family.
Health Hazards
Lead paint is primarily dangerous to infants and children in your household. Young children commonly explore the world around them with hand to mouth movement, leaving them prone to lead ingestion. Pregnant women are also at risk of passing health risks on to their unborn child. If the lead paint is ingested it can lead to learning disabilities, anemia, and cognitive behavioral problems. The lead paint has to be ingested for these health hazards to occur, so be on the lookout for chipping or cracking paint in the home. Lead paint that has been sanded down is another common cause of accidental ingestion. The dust particles will quickly be ingested and potentially begin to cause harm.
Is My Home at Risk?
Older homes are typically at a higher risk for containing lead paint. Homes built before 1962 are the most common to contain lead paint, but it’s best to test a sample of the paint from your home to be sure. To complete a lead paint test you can send a sample to a laboratory or hire a professional to come diagnose your home on-site.
What Do I Do if Lead Paint is Found?
If you determine that your home does contain lead paint, you have to decide what the next steps are. If the paint is in good condition you may be able to leave it as it is. If the paint is within the reach of children, however, lead paint should not be left alone. If the lead paint does need to be removed, it may actually be safer to cover it than to remove it. Non-lead paint, wallpaper, and paneling can all be used to safely cover the lead paint. If you decide to remove the lead paint, it’s best to hire a professional and vacate your home during the process. Sanding and stripping the lead paint can cause it to go into the air and become ingested by your family. After the job is finished, you should wait 24 hours to let the remaining dust particles settle and be cleaned before returning to the home.
Contact DCM Environmental Testing
If you're unsure whether or not lead paint is still lurking in your home, it's best to be safe, and call in a professional for an inspection. DCM Environmental provides lead testing, while providing you with an easy to read risk assessment. Learn more about what you can expect with a lead inspection, and contact us today!
