Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Natural levels of lead in soil range between 50 and 400 ppm. Lead may become concentrated in air, soil, water and even inside homes due to human activities including certain types of industrial mining, smelting and refining activities, and the past use of lead compounds in a wide variety of products including paint, ceramics, pipe and plumbing materials, solders, batteries, ammunition and leaded gasoline.

Lead has long been considered poisonous. Perhaps one of the most interesting anecdotes comes from Ben Franklin. Reportedly he wrote to a friend in 1786 to warn about the dangers of lead, specifically lead paint. However, it was nearly 100 years later that the first legal actions were taken to reduce lead exposure in the United States (US).

In the US, lead-based paint was banned in 1978, and lead pipe in new plumbing systems was banned in 1986. However, lead is still present in millions of older homes and buildings that predate these policies. Additionally, porcelain and enamel coatings on ceramic bathtubs, tile, and shower surrounds can also contain extremely high level of lead.

Dangers of Lead

As lead-based paint deteriorates it peels and cracks, making paint chips and dust that can be breathed in or swallowed. Renovations and repair work in older homes can also disturb painted surfaces, causing risk of lead exposure.

Lead adversely affects almost every organ and system in the body. When absorbed into the body, lead can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs such as the kidneys, nerves  and blood. Lead poisoning can cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, slowed growth, hearing problems, seizures and in extreme cases, death.

Children six years old and younger are most susceptible to the negative effects of lead since their growing bodies absorb more lead. Pregnant women are also very susceptible since lead can accumulate in the body over time, being stored in bones along with calcium. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, lead can be released from the mother’s bones along with calcium and can pass from the mother to the fetus or the breastfeeding infant.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that there is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood. The most important step that parents, teachers, doctors and others can take is to prevent lead exposure before it occurs.

When should you worry about lead?

Although real estate sales contracts must disclose known information on lead-based hazards, it is wise to hire a certified inspector to check for lead hazards before renting or buying a home or apartment built prior to 1978.

Lead-based paint is most dangerous when it is deteriorating, peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking. Deteriorating lead-based paint is a hazard that can threaten the health of occupants and requires immediate attention.

Take extreme caution if you plan to disturb painted surfaces for any type of demolition, renovation or repair in buildings constructed prior to 1978. These activities have the potential to create hazardous lead dust and debris.

During renovations or repairs use only contractors that are EPA accredited as Lead-Safe. They are trained to follow work practices that prevent lead contamination. They must wear personal protective equipment, create a seal around the renovation area so that dust doesn’t spread to other rooms, and must properly dispose of debris.