Lead In Homes
Would you want to know if you had an intruder in your home? Not the kind of intruder that steals your property—But one that will steal your quality of life. It might hinder your dreams for a healthy family or cause learning disabilities in your children. What's worse is that you see this intruder everyday, but think nothing of the damage it causes and probably have done nothing to stop it. If your home was built before 1978, there is a good chance this toxic intruder is already in your home. Lead-based paint is this hazardous intruder.
When lead-based paint has invaded your home, it looks innocent enough. There is some cracked paint on the windowsill or some dust particles on a counter. It's even present in paint used on some toys. It's especially problematic for children six months to six years of age that repeatedly put their hands in their mouths, innocently ingesting this dangerous substance. The results are not innocent when it causes learning disabilities, slowed development, hearing loss, or a lower IQ. There is also a possible link to asthma. Lead-based paint can also cause serious damage to the kidneys or liver. Only a small amount of lead is needed to harm a young, growing child. What can parents and homeowners do about this intruder?
September 2010 -- Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor of environmental health, discusses the findings of a report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which concludes there is no known safe exposure to lead. (3:07)
On March 6, 1996, EPA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued the lead-based paint disclosure rule, which ensures that families receive information to protect themselves from lead-based paint hazards. This information will help families make informed housing decisions to reduce their risk of exposure to lead hazards. The rule applies to most dwellings built before 1978.
This rule is one step to make sure that homeowners are aware of the problem, but what else can you do? The only way to know if a child has lead poisoning is to get a blood test. If you suspect lead exposure, your child should be tested. You should also check your child's toys for recalls. Be careful of old rocking chairs or painted toys. There are several ways to deal with existing lead in the home such as enclosure (covering all surfaces with a new surface such as drywall) or replacing problem areas such as windows and doors. Encapsulation is a technique that bonds materials to the existing painted surface. It's more than just a coat of paint, in that the encapsulant is bonded to the lead paint. Another option is complete removal, which might involve heat stripping, wire brushing, or power sanding. It is usually a good idea to have EPA approved professionals to do this work, rather than do it yourself. Professionals can strictly follow the guidelines for maximum protection against further exposure or residual contaminants. The key is to make sure you do something! Don't just ignore these potential hazards lead-based paint can intrude on you and your family!
Things You Need To Know…
In April 2010, it became federal law for contractors that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools, built before 1978, to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. If you are considering a remodeling or construction project be sure to ask for your contractor's certification.
The law exempts homeowner's who are doing work on their own property. You can do work on your own property, but contractors that you hire have to be certified.
If you are a homeowner performing renovation, repair, or painting work in your own home, the EPA does not require that you personally have this certification so it becomes your own responsibility to protect your family or children in your care.
When selling a home, both investor-owners & homeowners who have tackled lead clean up projects themselves, will have to disclose information about how those improvements were done, leaving a negative impact on potential buyers' interest in your property. Some would-be buyers will not want to take the risks associated with lead contamination and could choose to avoid pre-1978 properties altogether.
Find Out More…
- Lead Information and Resources
- HUD Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control
- Simple Steps To Protect Your Family From Lead Hazards
- CDC Lead Poisoning Prevention
- The US EPA website on Lead
- Small Entity Guide to Renovate Right
- Lead Poisoning Lawsuits and the Lead Industry
- Child Lead Poisoning and The Lead Industry