Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can’t always see, can be serious hazards. Sometimes lead abatement is necessary.
- Peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs immediate attention.
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Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children
can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These areas include:
- Windows and window sills.
- Doors and door frames.
- Stairs, railings, and banisters.
- Porches and fences.
Note: Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard.
- Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, sweep or walk through it.
- Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes.
Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the U.S.
*Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.
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People can get lead in their body if they:
- Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.
- Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead.
- Breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces).
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Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because:
- Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.
- Children’s growing bodies absorb more lead.
- Children’s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
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If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies
can suffer from:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity)
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
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Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
- Difficulties during pregnancy
- Other reproductive problems (in both men and women)
- High blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
Call Burns Environmental for all of your lead abatement needs. We are here to help and answer any lead abatement questions you have.