Do I have lead in my home? This is a question most homeowners ask themselves. Lead is a poisonous substance that affects several body parts and functions. It’s more harmful to young children as its exposure can cause damage to their nervous system and brain development. In adults, it causes long-term effects, including kidney damage and being at high risk of high blood pressure. Pregnant women are also vulnerable as excessive exposure to lead could cause them to have a stillbirth, miscarriages, low birth weight for infants, and premature birth.
The most common source of lead in US homes is the leaded paint used in houses built before 1978 since then, the government has banned its use. For homeowners who have noticed some strange paint peeling and more than usual accumulation of dust in their homes, it could be the leaded paint coming out and lead dust-filled dust forming up which can risk the whole family’s health. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce and prevent lead exposure.
There are various methods homeowners can use to confirm if their homes have lead or not. For instance, a paint inspection exercise is necessary to know the amount of lead substance present in those painted walls. However, it is not enough to understand how dangerous this chemical is. To understand how dangerous lead is, homeowners may consider hiring a professional service to conduct a risk assessment exercise in their homes. These procedures will not only show them how serious the risk of exposure to this poisonous substance is for their families but can also show them what they can do to avoid this problem.
Testing for lead
There are 3 approved ways homeowners in the US can use to test for lead in their homes. One of them is by using home test kits available in various stores in the country, such as building and hardware stores. These kits precisely determine if there is lead in their homes but they don’t show the amount of lead present. However, they may choose to know the amount present by sending samples from the home test kits to an environmental test lab close to them. Although it may cost more than the self-test kits, they will certainly get two results: the presence of lead and the amount. The last and most efficient option is having a licensed risk assessor from their local health centers check their homes.
What are the necessary steps to safeguard family members against lead?
Family members are at great risk of lead exposure if the tests above turn positive. Homeowners have to do everything possible to keep themselves and their families safe from this poisonous substance. Below are some steps to ensure your family’s safety.
- Replace plumbing
- Instead of hot water, use cold water for drinking and preparing meals
- Purchase water filters\• A healthy diet should be followed.
They may also want to test their drinking water. If it turns out to be lead-positive, the following steps should be useful to limit exposure.
- Replace plumbing
- Instead of hot water, use cold water for drinking and preparing meals
- Purchase water filters\• A healthy diet should be followed.
If your home was built before 1978, take the time to do a lead risk assessment and lead-based paint testing to ensure the safety of your home and family. Insight Environmental does everything from lead paint inspections to lead testing in water service that will set your mind at ease. If the lead inspections turn up positive, a detailed report to explain your next steps will be provided. Contact Insight Environment at 805-898-1123 today to assess your home with professional lead tests and keep it safe from the dangers of lead exposure and poisoning.
