Lead Based Paint: What it Means To You, Your Home, and Your Family
This is important to read, since the fines are tough if the contractor doing remodeling does not have the certification from the EPA.
What is Lead Based Paint?
Lead based paint is a metal (a.k.a. a well known toxin) and an earth element that occurs naturally.
History tells us that lead was found substantially in lead pipes to carry out water, used by smelters, caused infertility and colic among wine and rum drinkers.
Today, lead based paint is well known in housing units built before 1978. It is when lead is ingested or breathed through paint chips, dust, even water and soil that may cause damage to the nervous system and nerve connections that may cause ill health effects such as weakness, insomnia, tremors, stunt growth, learning disabilities and behavioral problems, cancer, and may even cause death.
Who is At Highest Risk?
Children under six are higher at risk. A child's body absorbs more lead due to the susceptibility of their early development years in their immune system.
"Although fatal lead encephalopathy has disappeared and blood concentrations have decreased in U.S. children, approximately 25% still live in housing with deteriorated lead based paint and are at risk of lead exposure with resulting cognitive impairment and other sequelae". (Michael W. Shannon, MD 2005)
How Does Lead Based Paint Affect Your Home Dwelling?
Lead based paint can be a serious hazard. If you see any cracking, peeling, chipping or chalking in areas such as windows and their sills, doors and their frames, in stairs, stairways, railings, porsches and patios, it is advised that you give it immediate attention.
Getting Ready to Paint, Remodel, or Repair Your Home?
A high exposure to lead based paint also occurs when a home built before 1978 is ready to be remodeled, repainted or repaired. "Over 80% of homes in the U.S. built before 1978 contains lead based paint on the interior and exterior. Lead based paint that is in good condition and managed properly is usually not a hazard. It is when lead based paint is aggravated that the chips dust that is left behind that may cause health risks." EPA - Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances, Pamphlet 7404
No longer will two guys with a hammer be able to replace a window without having the proper certification and training. The removal and replacement of windows may cause chipping of lead based paint in homes built before 1978 posing a risk for children and anyone in the family, including pregnant and lactating women, even your pet if not done or treated properly. The same goes for painters. Sanding of walls and older paint aggravate airborne dust and create a lead dust atmosphere which in time may lead to health problems.
How To Protect Yourself, Your Home and Your FamilyBeginning April 22, 2010, federal law requires that all contractor's be certified and trained to perform any lead based paint work inside the home, from painting to sanding, knocking down walls or placing new wall partitions, to the disturbance of any paint, remodel, and repair projects.
Below is a link to a pamphlet created by the EPA to help you understand and learn how to hire a professional lead contractor.
And speaking of professional lead contractor workers, occupations that have a high risk of lead exposure are from metal workers such as scrap/metal, to battery makers and demolition workers from jewelers, firing ranges, and plumbers, just to name a few.
Lead - Not Just in Paint, Water, and Soil
Lead is also found in many products such as ceramic glazing, and cosmetics. Lead is also used in building construction for external coverings and roofing joints. We are exposed to lead on a daily basis but proper precautions on lead based paint can lead to a healthier family and environment in the home.
The links provided below are a wealth of information on lead based paint, health risks, the EPA, ACS.
Florida Residents
Florida Division of Environmental Health
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention ProgramProperty Managers and Landlord's
Improper handling and work projects that involve lead based paint removal, remodeling, and repair can pose serious violations and fines. Check with your local government state agency for proper certifications and training and the hiring of a professional lead contractor.Homeowner's are exempt from the new federal law, including if ‘worker' is not being compensated for the job. If in doubt, research!
Online Web Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Lead Exposure in Children: Prevention, Detection, and Management
Michael W. Shannon, MD 2005National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHC)
NPR All Things Considered - Home Contractors Brace For Lead Base Paint Rules 4/15/2010
Chris Arnold, NPR News, BostonLead Poisoning, History Excerpt - Wikipedia
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)Pamphlet: Finding a Qualified Lead Professional For Your Home
Tips For Checking a Contractor's Background and Experience
Datos Acerca del Plomo En Español
Diana Perez B.S., Realtor
Property Manager
Majestic Properties Design District
35 NE 40 Street Suite 101
Miami, FL 33137
C: 954-665-0082
O: 305-677-505 F: 305-677-5045
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