Lead Paint and Remodeling Risks

Lead poisoning is a serious problem–find out how to control and prevent your exposure.

Lead is one of those problems you’d think we’d have solved by now. After all, lead in paint was banned in 1977 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. But it wasn’t until 1996 that the Clean Air Act completely banned the sale of leaded fuel–it was still available in some parts of the country. Lead can be found everywhere–in soil, water, air, household dust, and commercial products. No one is immune to exposure, but you can keep safe and healthy by understanding how to reduce your risks.

What lead is
Lead is a toxic metal. You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, by eating soil or paint chips containing lead, or drinking contaminated water. Once it gets in, lead travels through the bloodstream and concentrates in bones, liver and kidneys. And while some chemicals can be cleared from the body relatively quickly, lead is different. Because it’s stored primarily in the bones, it slowly leaches into the blood.

Sadly, your body is fooled by lead into thinking lead is a helpful mineral like calcium, so whenever your bones release calcium–for example, during pregnancy, breast-feeding, menopause and during old age–that lead is released too. According to the EPA, it takes more than 25 years for one half of the lead in bones to leave the body.

Lead and your health
The long-term health effects of lead can be severe for children. They include decreased growth, hyperactivity, hearing impairment–even brain damage. Kids absorb and retain a larger percentage of ingested lead per unit of body weight than adults, which increases the toxic effects. Plus, the brains and nervous systems of children are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

Kids also have more contact with lead in the environment, especially in lead dust and soil. They play in the dirt, pick paint off walls, and tend to put things in their mouth. If caught early, these effects can be limited through medical care and reduced exposure to lead. However, even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies, which is why the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children ages 6 and under be tested for lead.

Lead is also harmful to adults, who can suffer from:

  • Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
  • High blood pressure and hypertension
  • Nerve disorders
  • Memory and concentration problems
  • Muscle and joint pain

Pregnant women should also be aware of the possibility of lead exposure, since it can have an effect on unborn babies as well.

Remodeling risks
The National Center for Healthy Housing estimates about 140,000 U.S. children have lead poisoning and that more than 1 million children are at risk each year when their homes are renovated.

If you have potential sources of lead in your house–peeling lead-based paint or lead pipes–then you or a professional should try to remove them (by professional cleaning, painting over old paint or removing hazardous material).

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint. According to regulations enacted as of April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Find a lead-safe certified firm near you.

And if you’re thinking about doing home remodeling projects yourself, the EPA recommends that you take training to learn how to be lead-safe, and that you keep records to demonstrate that you and anyone who helped you have been trained to follow lead-safe work practices on the job. In general, that means following these three guidelines:

  • Contain the work area
  • Minimize dust
  • Clean up thoroughly

Learn more about renovation, repair and painting rules from the EPA.

The Oregon Leadline, 800-368-5060, is a free telephone information service for parents and others who are concerned about lead hazards in their home and want to know how to make their home lead-safe. Learn more about lead from the EPA and find a place to get your child tested at a free screening clinic. You can find even more resources at Lead-Free Kids.

Learn More
Five Common Dangers in Portland Oregon Homes
The Basics of Good Ventilation