You
might think you know all there is to know about lead and refuse to let your
child eat those paint chips they found on the floor. But lead paint chips are
just the beginning of the lead dangers that are in and around your home.
Since
we started out talking about the paint, let’s expand a little. Yes, lead paint
chips are bad. If your house was built after 1978, you probably will not
encounter lead in your paint. Everyone else can assume there is at least a
little lead in your home. Lead dust can get on anything and everything when
stirred up, like walking across your porch and into your home or opening a
window. You need to make sure if you have carpet that you vacuum frequently
with a vacuum using a HEPA filter. If you have smooth floors, wet mop them once
a week. Wipe your children’s toys and furniture with wet cloths. If you have
blinds, check their manufacturing. Many companies whose manufacturing outlets
are in foreign countries use lead in their materials.
Another
danger with regards to lead is lead piping, lead soldering, and copper piping
used in homes. If your home was built before 1986, your home will contain some
combination of these things. Flushing your faucet or using a water filtration
system can help. Get your water tested if you suspect you have lead somewhere
in your piping. The EPA can provide kits or you can look in your area for
testing facilities.
Outside
of your home, you need to be careful of lead in your soil. This can happen
especially in places near gutters and awnings. Always cover soil, never leave
it exposed. Again, have your soil tested to see your levels.
So what
does this all mean? You have to live in a bubble or spend thousands of dollars
on landscaping and home repairs? No. You have to be vigilant of signs your
child might have lead poisoning. These can include sluggishness, lack of
appetite, or stomach pain. Ask your doctor to test your child after nine months
of age. It’s a simple finger prick test that is covered by insurance in most
cases. Keep your home clean and be careful when remodeling or landscaping.
If you
encounter lead issues, please contact us at 716-823-3630.
