Lead in Your Home: What Makes it So Dangerous?

What’s in over 25% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 that can lead to serious illnesses, death, fines, and even infertility? That’s right, you guessed it. Lead.

Lead inside homes has been known to cause all types of illnesses, such as headaches, memory loss, abdominal pain, and extreme doses can cause comas, seizures, and vomiting. What exactly is so dangerous about lead, and what are some possible ways to treat your home if it does contain it?

Lead – What is it?

Lead is metal that is found in nature, deep under the ground. However, it can also be found in air, soil, water, and even in our homes. When it comes to houses that have lead, the source can usually be traced back to paint chips. These chips can easily turn into lead dust when disturbed and can cause serious harm, as they float through the air and accumulate on surfaces around the house. While a lot of people falsely believe that you need a lot of lead exposure to become ill, a small amount is actually enough to cause someone to be sick. However, long exposure to lead is what can cause serious health risks.

Lead is harmful because it can act as a poison. Once it gets inside a person’s body, it will distribute itself throughout the system. Most lead ends up in the bone, where it causes even more problems. Lead can interfere with the production of blood cells and the absorption of calcium that bones need to grow healthy and strong. As you know, calcium is crucial for muscle contraction and strong bones and teeth, as well as nerve and blood vessel function.

According to WebMD, here are some quick tips to limit lead poisoning risks in your home:

• Keep your home clean. The key is to control dust in your house by wiping dust regularly with a rag, especially around windows, drawers, and doors.
• Don’t track in lead from outside. Take off your shoes as you enter the house.
• Keep your hands clean. Make sure your hands are clean, as well as your children’s. Most kids who get lead poisoning transfer lead from their hands to their mouths.
• Wash toys, pacifiers, and bottles regularly. Anything that goes in your child’s mouth needs to be clean.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthier diet can help combat the effects of lead exposure.
• Make sure your kids have the recommended lead tests. Since lead poisoning has no symptoms, it’s the only way to make sure that they haven’t been affected. Routine testing is recommended for children younger than age 5.

Getting Rid of Lead in the Home

One common mistake that people make when looking for signs of lead in their home is only checking the surface layer of paint. To properly check for lead, you have to test every layer of paint. So if your home has been painted three times, inside or out, then all three coats must be checked.

If you’re considering doing a home renovation project but your home falls between the previously stated 1960-1978 date range, then we highly recommend seeking professional assistance. At Northface Construction, our team is EPA certified when it comes to the removal of lead within a home. When you disturb lead in a house, the lead becomes dust, so keeping the area secure and contained is of the utmost importance. We follow an extremely stringent protocol so you can rest assured that while we work in your home, your neighbors and family will be safe from any potential lead dust.

If you’re considering a remodel, give us a call at (763) 710-2933 or get a free estimate by filling out a brief form on our website. Dealing with lead in your home is a serious matter. Don’t settle for a contractor who doesn’t know what they are doing. Instead, trust in Northface. You’ll be glad you did.