Lead can cause a wide range of health effects. These include:
Damage to the brain and nervous system
Behavior and learning problems
Slowed growth
Hearing problems
Headaches
Health problems during pregnancy
Reproductive problems
High blood pressure
Digestive problems
Nervous disorders
Memory or concentration problems
Muscle and joint pain
Mental retardation
Seizures
Coma
Death
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
The symptoms of lead poisoning can be signs of many diseases and illnesses. If you believe your child may have been exposed to lead and has some of the symptoms listed below call your doctor. The only way to be sure someone does not have lead poisoning is to be tested.
Irritability
Poor muscle coordination
Fussiness
Loss of appetite
Stomach pain or discomfort
Reduced attention span
Inability to sleep
Constipation
Prevention
There are many things you can do to decrease the likelihood that your child will be poisoned by lead. If you live in a home build before 1978, assess the paint on the interior and exterior of your home. Is it chipped and peeling or not in good condition? Remember, the only way to get rid of lead based paint is by lead abatement. This takes a professional. Call a good, reputable painter. He will know the procedure and proper methods of removing the lead paint. Paint that is intact is not a threat and should be kept in good condition.
Wet dust and mop frequently around window sills and floors to control dust. Experts suggest using automatic dishwashing liquid or sodium triphosphate. Don’t vacuum hardwood floors. It will scatter lead dust.
Hand washing is one of the most basic yet important actions you can take to prevent lead poisoning. Wash a child’s face and hands before eating. Washing toys and play items frequently will remove any possible lead dust.
Don’t let children play near the foundation of your home if the exterior paint is lead based. Plant ground cover or bushes near the foundation of your home if you suspect your soil is contaminated.
If the water has not been run in more than six hours, let it run until it changes temperature. This normally doesn’t take a long time, but the purpose is to flush the line and fill it with fresh water. Generally you can tell when the line has fresh water because it will become a little cooler.
Don’t store food in open cans, pottery meant for decorative use, lead crystal or china.
If an adult works with lead at their job or with a hobby they should shower before going home and launder their clothes separately.
If your home has lead based paint, renovation should not be done as a “do-it-yourself” project. Paint should be removed by an expert. Sanding, propane torches, heat guns and sandpaper should never be used by an inexperienced person on lead paint. There are certain methods for lead abatement.