What Is Lead – Based Paint?
- Federal standards define lead-based paint as:
- Any paint or surface coatings that contain lead equal to or in excess of 1.0 milligram per square centimeter or more than 0.5 percent by weight.
- Some states and localities regulate paint with lower concentration of lead.
- It is the primary source of lead-contaminated dust in housing.
- Why is lead used in paint?
- Lead was added for color and durability.
- Lead-based paint was banned in 1978.
Health Risks of Lead
- Very hazardous to children.
- Damages the brain and central nervous system; can cause decreased intelligence, reading and learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and hyperactivity.
- Damage can be irreversible, affecting children throughout their lives.
- Hazardous to pregnant women.
- Damage to the fetus
- Also hazardous to workers and other adults.
- High blood pressure.
- Loss of sex drive and / or capability.
- Physical fatigue.
Symptoms Of Lead Poisoning are Not Always Obvious
- Symptoms are easily misinterpreted by medical personnel, thus delaying effective treatment and increasing the likelihood of permanent physical and mental damage.
- Only sure way to determine lead poisoning is to take a blood lead level (BLL) test.
Why are Dust and Debris a Problem?
- Renovation activities that disturb lead-based paint create dust and debris. Debris becomes dust.
- Lead-contaminated dust is poisonous.
- Very small amounts of lead-contaminated dust can poison children and adults.
- Children swallow dust during ordinary play activities.
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