Heavy metals are hidden in our homes and can potentially be harmful to our health. However, these harms can easily be avoided if people know what types of toxins are in their homes and where. One of the most hazardous and abundant toxins is lead. Lead is a heavy metal that, if ingested or inhaled, can cause nervous system damage, auditory problems, and is shown to reduce IQ. These effects are more likely to happen to children than adults, so we need to take extra precaution to protect them. However, many people do not know that they are being exposed to lead until it is too late. Lead exposure is a widespread problem in the United States because until 1978, lead was an additive to interior and exterior house paint. Since 1978, when lead based paint was outlawed, latex has been used as an additive in house paint instead. Modern paint still contains small amounts of lead but is considered safe. However, even if your house has been painted since the late seventies, there could still be traces of lead-based paint in your home. This paint could be crumbling into dust and causing interior air pollution. To prevent exposure to lead, here are the top things everyone needs to know about lead based paint:
a) If your home or apartment was built before 1978 you should assume that there is some amount of lead based paint in your home.
b) Make sure interior and exterior walls are freshly painted and are not chipping.
c) To prevent inhaling lead dust, wipe window sills and other areas where dust accumulates with a wet rag and safely dispose of the rag after use.
d) When renting an apartment make sure you sign the lead paint warning statement and receive the proper literature from your landlord or property manager.
e) Avoid areas of your home that are under renovation and ask contractors about their lead-safe procedures.
f) Wash hands frequently, especially before eating.
g) Don’t let children play in bare soil, especially in close proximity to the home where lead dust could fall.
To read more about being lead-safe and how to prevent children in your community from being exposed to lead, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips.htm
