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What is lead?
Lead is a heavy metal that has been mined for thousands of years.
Because of its unique properties, lead was used extensively for
many purposes in and out of our homes. Lead was added to paint to
help it cling to surfaces better and make the paint last longer.
Lead, when added to gasoline, stops engine knocking in cars. Lead
was used in water pipes and pipe soldering in the plumbing of many
homes and public buildings. Lead was also used in the solder of
food cans.
Common sources of lead in the home include lead-based paint, lead-contaminated
dust from normal wear and tear of painted surfaces, and soil, especially
in areas with high traffic volume. Other sources of lead in the
home include painted toys and furniture, ceramics, pottery, leaded
crystal, and vinyl mini-blinds. A parent with jobs (i.e. battery
plants, lead smelters) or hobbies (i.e. pottery, stained glass)
may bring home lead dust. Some folk remedies can cause lead poisoning
(i.e. "Greta", "Azarcon").
Why is lead harmful?
Lead is highly toxic. Lead in the environment can not be seen,
smelled, or tasted. Lead can enter the body through the mouth or
nose. It is not absorbed through the skin. Lead poisoning can interfere
with some basic body functions. Like calcium, lead can stay in the
bloodstream for several weeks before it is absorbed into the bone.
Once in the bone, lead can collect there for a lifetime. Lead exposure
can be dangerous to anyone but it is especially dangerous in children
younger than 6 years of age. Young children are most likely to have
higher degrees of exposure to lead because of normal exploratory
behaviors. Long-term effects of lead poisoning can lead to learning
disabilities, growth problems, hyperactivity, hearing loss, and
even brain damage. Unborn babies can also be exposed to high lead
levels through the mother during pregnancy. In adults, lead has
been shown to cause digestive problems, muscle and joint pain, fertility
problems, nervous system problems, and high blood pressure. However,
the good news is that lead poisoning can be prevented.
What is being done to protect us from lead exposure and poisoning?
In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned lead-based
paint in homes, children's toys, and furniture. Also, that same
year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reduced the amount
of lead in gasoline. In 1986 and 1988, Congress changed the Safe
Drinking Water Act to restrict the use of lead pipes and solder
in plumbing. However, lead can still be found in many pipes since
the laws only apply to new plumbing. In 1995, the United States
banned the use of lead solder in food cans made in America. However,
lead solder can be found in imported cans.
What can I do to protect my family from lead?
Although there are laws to protect your family from lead exposure,
it is still very important to know the sources of lead that are
in your child's environment. It is estimated that 83% of private
homes built before 1980 have some lead-based paint. The older the
home, the more likely it contains lead-based paint. Lead-based paints
that are peeling, chipping, or cracking can be a source of poisoning
since young children may eat the paint chips. Even lead-based paint
that is in good repair can be a problem due to normal wear and tear
(i.e. windows, doors). Dust can be contaminated with lead from the
friction of these surfaces. Dust settles low, often where children
are playing and mouthing objects.
If your home was built before 1978 and you have children 6 years
or younger, you should consider having your home evaluated by a
certified lead professional. An inspection will reveal if you have
lead in your home and where it is located. Home test kits are not
reliable and should not be used. Some inspectors will give a detailed
report about lead hazards in your home, as well as suggest ways
to reduce them. If your home is found to have lead hazards, you
can further protect your family by following some simple tips as
outlined below:
- Wash floors, window frames and sills, doorjambs and thresholds
every week with a solution containing a phosphate cleaner and
water.
- Wet dust and mop other surfaces frequently with a solution containing
a phosphate cleaner (powdered automatic dishwasher detergent)
and water.
- Throw away old newspapers, bread bags and comic books.
- Wash your children's hands and face frequently, especially after
playing outside and before they eat.
- Wash your infant's toys in soapy water frequently. Avoid painted
toys, especially those made in other countries.
- Feed your children a well balanced diet. Foods high in calcium
and iron reduce the amount of lead his body absorbs. Limit fatty
foods since they increase lead absorption into the body.
- Do not store food in opened cans or ceramic pottery.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking, run the tap for a few
minutes before using it.
- Have your water tested. It is easy and cheap. Call the EPA's
Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800/426-4791 for more information.
- Wash clothes that are contaminated with lead (from your job
or hobby) separately using a phosphate cleaner.
- Keep exterior paint in good condition, remove and discard peeling
paint.
- Have your child play in the grass not the dirt in your yard.
- Most importantly, have your child screened for lead exposure.
It is a simple blood test that can be performed in our offices.
Do not let your child be your lead detector!
If you are planning to remodel or renovate your older home, have
your home inspected for lead before you begin the project. Do not
try to remove lead paint yourself. Families have been poisoned by
"Do-It-Yourself-ers" Do not remain in the home during
renovation, and only return home after the area has been properly
cleaned.
Where can I get more information?
Illinois Department of Public Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Program at 800/545-2200 or (312) 746-7820.
Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning - www.aeclp.org
Call, write or visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development's
web site.
Office of Lead Hazard Control
490 L'Enfante Plaza SW Room 3202
Washington DC 20410
(202) 755-1785
www.hud.gov
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