Although not used any longer, lead paint continues to be discovered in many homes built before 1978. As lead paint ages, it gradually flakes away from the surface and crumbles to dust. Exposure to flakes of lead paint or lead paint dust can be very dangerous, particularly for children and pregnant women. But how can you know if lead is present in your home? And if it is, what can you do to remove it? Here are some tips to help you.
How to Detect Lead Paint in Your Home
If your house was constructed prior to 1978, practically any surface on the exterior or interior could be painted with lead paint. The most likely places you will find it include:
- Surfaces that are regularly exposed to weather: drain pipes, exterior window frames, and doors.
- Interior wooden surfaces: trim, railings, stairs, doors.
Don’t forget that older furniture and toys may also be covered in lead paint.
Signs to Look For
As it ages, lead paint begins to crack and chip presenting a pattern that looks scaly. Another sign is that if you rub it, it will leave an oily residue on your fingers. If you are concerned that you may have lead paint in your home you can buy a test kit from your local DIY or hardware store for around $10. A typical kit has two swabs which are impregnated with a lead sensitive chemical. If lead is detected, the swab will change color. The test will yield results in just a few minutes. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the home test, you can purchase a different kit which allows you to collect a sample of paint from your home and send it to the lab to be tested. The results will usually be mailed to you within a week.
What to Do if Your Paint Tests Positive
There’s no need to panic. You have a number of options for lead paint removal.
- You can try to safely remove it yourself: This is probably not a good idea if you have children. You may also live in a state where it is not legal to do so.
- You can hire a professional: This is the safest solution because you will not have to worry about other areas beyond the worksite becoming contaminated.
Find out more about removing lead paint safely.
Dangers of Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning arises when the amount of lead in your body builds up to toxic levels. This can happen over years or even months. Even low levels of lead can cause serious health issues. Young children, particularly those under the age of 6 years old, are extremely vulnerable to lead poisoning. At high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. Signs and symptoms may include:
- irritability
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- constipation
- sluggishness
- abdominal pain
- fatigue
- vomiting
- hearing loss
- learning difficulties
- developmental delay
Testing for Lead Poisoning
If your physician suspects that you or your child may be a victim of lead poisoning, he or she will take a simple test to confirm the diagnosis. A blood sample is usually taken using a finger prick or by drawing a small amount from a vein. The amount of lead in the blood is measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). A level of higher than 5 mcg/dL shows that there is a high level of lead in your blood. If this is the case, your child’s blood should be tested on a regular basis. If the level reaches 45 mcg/dL or higher, you or your child should receive treatment.
Treatment for Lead Poisoning in Children
The very first step is to find and eliminate the source of the lead poisoning. Your local health authority will be able to identify and reduce the lead contamination. If your child has a relatively low level of lead contamination, it may simply be enough to keep him or her free from exposure to lead.
Treating Higher Levels of Exposure
For more severe cases of contamination, your physician may recommend chelation therapy. A mild form of this treatment is usually used for children. It involves taking a medication that binds with lead, so it will pass from your body in your urine.
If you have a home that was built pre-1978 you should definitely pay attention to your paintwork to see if it shows any signs of lead treatment. If it does, contact an appropriate service and have it removed to protect your family.
Jayden Welch works as a building inspector. Always looking for ways to make buildings safer, she likes to share what she finds by posting on various homeowner and business blogs.
