LEAD
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Lead is a serious toxin. Luckily, it is manageable.
Lead has been known as a toxin for centuries. Continuing trends toward
greater safety have brought lead into the spotlight again. Lead is most
poisonous to children under the age of 7. Most of us survived lead's
health risks as children. Today, however, many parents want to better
understand these risks.
Occasionally, lead-in-drinking-water tests yield results that are above
the new strict guidelines. Such tests can be performed as part of a home
inspection. Water treatment is available as necessary. Lead can
concentrate in hot water tanks. It is advisable to use hot water for
bathing only and never used with baby formula or cooking.
Lead in household dust from lead-based paint is the more common source
of lead poisoning. Lead-based paint was not banned until 1978 which puts
all older housing at risk. It is not the presence of the lead-based
paint alone that creates the hazard. The hazard is ingesting any dust
created by the lead-painted surfaces. Poorly maintained windows is the
leading cause of childhood lead poisoning.
Routine maintenance of homes (and children!) makes a world of
differences. Proper hygiene and a balanced diet reduce the risk of poisoning.
Statistics show that lead poisoning is far more prevalent in poor urban
areas.
The recent EPA lead-based paint control protocols focus on lead-based
paint "hazard" rather than lead-based paint presence.
Also this legislation focuses on "in-place management" rather
than removal of the paint. Check your state regulations and guidelines.
At your discretion, have a lead paint determination inspection. Also,
more information on the subject is available from a number of private
organizations.
The lead hazard must be taken seriously...and addressed rationally.
As stated previously "he who has the knowledge is far less likely
to be harmed." |
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