Is Toxic Lead Paint In Your Home?
Lead Paint History 101
For thousands of years lead paint has been used in a multitude of applications, and since it’s beginnings ancient texts have documented the lethal side effects of lead exposure. From artwork to interior design, lead paint was popular due to it’s increased strength, fast drying time, moisture resistance, and it’s fresh and vibrant appearance. By the early 20th century, the dangers of lead paint were considered to be well-established although it was still being mass produced. It wasn’t until the late 1970’s that federal regulations in North America began restricting it’s use, particularly in items that came into contact with children.
Lead is a highly toxic metal that can lead to a wide range of health problems, especially in young children and pregnant women. If ingested and absorbed into the body, lead can seriously damage the brain and nervous system as well as other vital organs such as the kidneys and lungs. This particular type of brain or nervous system damage can further lead to behavioral problems, learning disabilities, reproductive problems, anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells), seizures, and in some cases, death. Some symptoms in adults, although vague, may include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, fatigue and irritability. Symptoms in children may be similar, but often do not appear as severe or do not appear at all. The half-life of lead in humans (the amount of time necessary for the body to excrete 50% of the accumulated lead) is about 25 years. This means that if a child is exposed to lead products at a young age, they can be subjected to the release of stored lead from their bodily tissues into their bloodstream for over two decades.
Whether lead paint is inside or outside your home, deteriorating paint can easily become mixed in with dust and dirt and be tracked throughout your home. Children can become curious of paint chips and eat them due to their sweet taste, or may even play in lead-contaminated soil outside your home. Unless your home was built after 1990 or you know the paint used throughout your property did not contain any lead, it is nearly impossible to know (without testing) whether or not the paint around you contains lead.
What to do if you think you may have lead paint…
If you suspect that your home or property may contain lead paint and would like it tested before considering removals, you can find at-home lead paint test kits at select hardware stores for less than $20.
If you would like it removed, we strongly recommend contacting professionals for the removal process. The dust from sanding, chipping, or cutting through lead paint will become airborne and can be ingested and absorbed into your body.
Enjoy peace of mind knowing you are in good hands with the Stutters Restorations team!
The most convenient and safe way to accomplish ridding your home of lead paint is to contact the professional team at Stutters Restorations. Our highly trained technicians have the knowledge and experience to tackle even the toughest of jobs. No matter what part of your house you think may contain lead paint, our team will assess every inch of your property from your attic down to your basement crawlspace.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week & 365 days a year to serve you better.
Call Toll Free 1-877-763-1540
INFORMATION SOURCES
Home Hardware: At-Home Lead Paint Testing Kit
Health Link BC: Lead Paint Hazards
Wikipedia: Lead Paint
Health Canada: Lead Information Package
Government of Canada: Lead-Based Paint
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