Lead paint is common in most homes built prior to 1978. Many new laws have been passed in recent years in an attempt at reversing the permanent damage that has been caused by it. It is now a major health crisis, causing such ailments as high blood pressure, neurological impairment, behavior problems, anemia, and seizures. In addition, digestive and reproductive problems can occur. 

You can become exposed to it through contaminated air, dust, water or food. Many rental households may soon find that landlords will increase rent to offset the cost of abatement and/or stabilization required by these new laws/ordinances. If you want to get rid of that in your home, you can always ask for help from the experts. You can visit this website for more services which you can avail, www.templepaintingcompany.com.

If the material is in good condition and has been previously coated over, it shouldn’t pose a problem. However, if it is peeling or has been exposed to scraping or sanding, it can pose significant health risks to people, pets, and young children.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

  • Headaches
  • Hearing Problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Loss of memory and concentration

Children, especially those under two years old, are extremely sensitive to lead and may develop more intense health problems such as:

  • Damage to the brain and nervous system
  • Reduction in IQ levels
  • Learning disorders
  • Behavioral problems
  • Slowed growth

If you believe your home contains lead-containing material, follow these steps:

  1. Contact a professional and certified inspector with a proper EPA testing kit and do not remove the material yourself.
  2. If renting, contact your landlord to fix peeling or chipped walls as soon as it occurs.
  3. Keep floors, windowsills, and other home surfaces regularly clean to limit lead-based dust from contaminating your home.
  4. Avoid exposure to lead under paint or other household surfaces by taking precautions when remodeling your home. 
  5. Hire professionals licensed to provide services that are Lead-Safe and approved by the EPA.
  6. While a seller must disclose any lead hazards in the home before selling, have your new home checked for lead before purchase.
  7. If you have concerns about potential lead poisoning, contact your doctor immediately to get a blood test for children and or a checkup for older family members.

Removal

It is best to hire a trained and certified professional to take on remodeling and getting a new coat at home. It is important to not be in the vicinity during the renovation or at least have the professionals seal off the area under construction from the rest of the home and disconnect any HVAC ductwork to prevent the spread of dust throughout the home.

If you are concerned about potential lead material within your home, contact The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The department enforces lead-paint regulations, provides public outreach and technical assistance, and conducts studies to help prevent children and their families from lead hazards within the home. They also support both state and local governments to develop cost-effective ways to reduce lead-based paint hazards.

Contact a professional contractor that can test for the lead throughout your residence. You can feel at ease knowing that there are many ways to keep your family and household protected from lead toxicity should you believe there is a threat at home.