I have had buyers purchasing homes that were built prior to 1978 the year the EPA banned the use of lead based paints in residential dwellings (it is still used in commercial/industrial structures). Often times the Lead Based Disclosure form is treated somewhat lightly since if all paint looks to be in good condition, buyers assume that the home is safe from lead exposure. Few ever get the house tested for lead levels.
Recently, there was a presentation on this topic in one of our Eco-Agent Certification classes. The presenter highlighted the fact that the two most overlooked areas where lead dust and chips might contaminant the air is from the moving parts of windows and doors. When windows are raised and shut their runner scrapes against the window frame and over time will start to scrape the paint allowing lead particles to escape into the air. Doors that do not close properly and scrape against the door jam are the second most common areas where lead base paint exposure can occur. This was surprising to me since I lived in an old 1930's house for 17 years and never thought about how these two areas in my home could have been an issue for me and my family. We have not gotten tested for lead in our bodies yet, but probably will at some point. Most health departemnts will do this for free.
We all know the lead can cause serious problems for children and expectant mothers. But there are dangers to healthy adults as well including:
- High blood pressure.
- Digestive problems.
- Nerve disorders.
- Memory and concentration problems.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Increased chance of illness during pregnancy.
- Harm to a fetus, including brain damage or death.
- Fertility problems (in men and women).
The EPA brochure on Lead is a good read for those who want more info on the subject.
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