Lead paint has long been known to be a health hazard, but many homeowners continue to choose to ignore the potential damage of this often unseen toxin. With the rise in behavior problems and learning disabilities in children, both of which have been linked to increased lead levels in the blood, more and more concerns have risen about what we can do to prevent this trend from continuing. Lead is not only harmful to children, but also causes negative health effects in adults, such as high blood pressure, and is especially harmful to pregnant women, who can transfer lead to the fetus.
Due to these known health hazards, the EPA is requiring that all contractors conducting Remodeling, Repair, or Painting work in homes built prior to 1978 be certified in lead-safe practices by October 1, 2010. In order for an individual contractor to be certified, they must attend a minimum 8-hour EPA course and pass an exam verifying that they understand how to implement lead-safe practices.
Before you remodel or repair your pre-1978 home, be sure your contractor is certified and implements lead-safe practices to protect you and your family. You can also have your home tested for lead by a certified inspector, who can let you know if your home contains lead-based paint and where it is located.
There are also things you can do to keep your home lead-safe. Protect your family every day by regularly cleaning floors, window sills, and other interior surfaces to keep lead dust from collecting (dust can be caused by opening and shutting doors and windows that have been painted with lead paint). Remove your shoes when entering your home to prevent lead from the soil from tracking in. Wash childrens toys, pacifiers, and hands frequently to prevent any lead-containing dust from being ingested, and be sure to feed them a healthy diet of nutritious foods to help protect them from the effects of lead.
If you want to know more, visit the EPA's website or call 1-800-424-LEAD.
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