Lead Toxicity: Risks, Symptoms, & Prevention
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 1.2 million children in the U.S. from 1999-2010 had elevated levels of lead in their blood, also known as lead poisoning. That number could be even higher now, as testing rates have continually declined since the turn of the century. One of the main sources of lead toxicity in both children and adults come from lead paint on the walls of older homes, particularly those built before 1978, which was the year that the use of lead paint was outlawed (for the most part). In addition to children, lead poisoning is especially harmful for pregnant women, as elevated lead levels in the blood can lead to serious physical and developmental problems later in life for the children they are carrying. In this article, we’ll talk more about lead toxicity, its symptoms, and how you can prevent it!
Where Lead Paint Is Found
The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that about 35% houses in the U.S. contain lead-based paint to this day, and the older a home is, the more likely it is to contain the hazardous material. Lead paint was thought to be faster drying, more durable, and more resistant to damage than other types of paint, which is why it was so popular until it was discovered to cause negative health effects in people of all ages. Lead paint can also be found on toys, pipes, packaging, and more. Even though lead paint is banned in the U.S. today, imported products from other countries that don’t have a ban may still contain lead.
Lead Poisoning Symptoms
The symptoms of lead poisoning vary depending on the level of exposure and the age of the person that has been exposed. Pregnant women and children are particularly susceptible to the impact of lead poisoning. Adults that aren’t pregnant can experience symptoms like:
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Muscle pain
- Confusion
- Mood disorders
Pregnant women experience most of these symptoms, but they can pass on even more health problems to their children. Lead paint exposure can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and other problems. Children who are exposed to lead can develop significant health and development problems like:
- Learning disorders
- Developmental problems
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness
- Extreme fatigue
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Abdominal pain
Children are often exposed to lead that can cause lead poisoning through old lead paint in homes and apartments. If lead paint has been left on the walls or around radiators or windows, the paint can flake off and cause lead particles to become airborne. Children can then inhale or swallow those lead particles, and after long bouts of exposure, can begin to experience some of these lead poisoning symptoms.
Preventing Lead Poisoning
The best way to prevent lead poisoning is by ensuring your home is completely lead-paint-free. Here at DCM Environmental, we provide homeowners across Massachusetts with unbiased lead paint testing services that are the surefire way to know whether or not your family is being exposed to harmful lead particles. If lead is discovered in your home, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive report that includes recommendations for the removal process!
Contact DCM Environmental For A Free Lead Paint Testing Estimate!
If you have any questions about the dangers of lead paint removal or if you believe your home in Massachusetts may contain lead paint, please contact our team at DCM Environmental Testing Co. for a free lead paint testing estimate! We provide home and business owners in Massachusetts with professional, unbiased testing for lead paint and other hazardous materials! Give us a call today at (617) 481-5782 or fill out the contact form on our website!
