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| Exterior siding with peeling paint |
What you
should know about lead-based paint....
Lead
is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of
health problems, especially in young children. When
lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause
damage to the brain and other vital
organs, like the kidneys, nerves and blood.
Lead may also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and in extreme cases, death. Some symptoms of lead poisoning may include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness
and irritability. Children who are lead poisoned may show no symptoms.
Both inside and outside the home, deteriorated lead-paint mixes with
household dust and soil and becomes tracked in. Children may become lead poisoned by:
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What can you
do?
If your home was built before 1978:
Wipe down flat surfaces, like window
sills, with a damp paper towel and throw away the paper towel,
Mop smooth floors (using a damp mop)
weekly to control dust,
Take off shoes when entering the house
Vacuum
carpets and upholstery to remove dust,
If possible, use a vacuum with a
HEPA filter or a "higher efficiency" collection bag,
Pick up loose paint chips carefully
with a paper towel and discard in the trash, then wipe the surface clean with a wet paper towel,
Take
precautions to avoid creating lead dust when remodeling, renovating or maintaining your home,
Test
for lead hazards by a lead professional. Have a risk assessment of your property performed. (Have the soil tested too).
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For your child:
- Have your child's blood lead level tested at age 1 and 2.
- Children from 3 to 6 years of age should have their blood tested, if they have not been tested before and:
- They live
in or regularly visit a house built before 1950,
- They live in or regularly visit a house built before
1978 with on-going or recent renovations or remodeling
- They have a sibling or playmate who has or did have
lead poisoning
- Frequently wash your child's hands and toys to reduce contact with dust,
- Use
cold tap water for drinking and cooking
- Avoid
using home remedies (such as arzacon, greta, pay-loo-ah, or litargirio) and cosmetics
(such as kohl or alkohl) that contain lead
- Certain candies,
such as tamarindo candy jam products from Mexico, may contain high levels of lead in the wrapper or stick. Be cautious when
providing imported candies to children
- Some tableware, particularly folk terra cotta plates and bowls from Latin America, may contain high levels of lead that can leach into
food.
Source: Hud.gov * VIDEO *
Lead Paint
Awareness for Parents
click below
If you have concerns about your home, or you would like to have a property risk assessment performed,
call
us for free consultation @ (585) 721-7770 EPA
Certified Lead based paint risk assessments
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