Lead in Homes part one:
Lead in homes today comes mostly from old lead paint. Based on an EPA study here are ten facts regarding lead in homes:
- Between 1960 and 1980 – 24 percent of the homes in Louisville used lead paint.
- Lead based paint was banned in 1978
- Between 1940 and 1960 – 69 percent of the homes built used lead paint
- Dust is the main problem with lead. Lead dust comes from deteriorating lead based paint and can easily rise to unsafe levels. Activities like breathing and putting hands to mouth become dangerous.Lead is especially dangerous to children’s brains and nervous systems. Do it yourself projects require the assistance of a licensed lead paint specialist. He will help you test and prepare for your project to insure very little lead dust is ingested.
- Renovating is a leading cause of dust from old paint that was covered by non lead based paint.
- Any project that disturbs the lead like sanding and scraping can create lead based dust.
- HUD’ s web site on lead in homes
- Lead is especially dangerous to children under 6 years of age. It can lead to reduced I.Q. and nervous system development issues.
- In adults lead in homes can lead to high blood pressure, pregnancy problems and learning disabilities.
- Lead paint that is intact with no cracking or chipping or wear is generally NOT considered a health risks.
- If lead is in your home, have a professional help you take precautions. Spending a little money could save you a lot of heart ache down the road. Look for peeling, chipping and cracking paint
- If lead is in your home, have a professional help you take precautions. Spending a little money could save you a lot of heart ache down the road. Look for peeling, chipping and cracking paint. Areas like stair railings, window sills and door frames are susceptible to peeling and cracking.
- Visit the EPA’s web site on lead if you have any concerns.