How much do you really know about lead and its effects on health?

How much do you really know about lead and its effects on health?
In one USA state, results were published from a study done over water contamination and a startling number emerged. Over 500,000 children had high levels of lead in blood tests. If you know a little bit about the use of lead-based paints, you might think this study was done in the 1950’s or even the 1970’s, but these results come from a 2010 test.
How could this still happen today? There are many reasons, but here are a few to consider. Many people live in homes that were built when lead-based paint was still marketed, so chipping paint can still poison those who live in older homes or apartments. Lead-based paint was actually endorsed by the U.S. government through the mid to late 1970’s. The federal government was forced to ban consumer uses of lead-based paint when lead-related cases of death and disability continued and still happen today.
It isn’t just paint in homes that can be of concern. Lead-based colorants have been used on kitchen utensils, outdoor applications and even toys. A surface that doesn’t immediately make you think of paint can still be contaminated. For example, some cast-metal toys were created with automotive high-gloss coloring methods and when these break or chip, children are exposed to the lead in the paint.
Lead can also be present in the soil outdoors, so it can be tracked inside or affect those who spent time outside. Lead dust can also be present on clothing worn by those at certain job sites, so the poisonous substance is carried back into the home every day.
If you think you or your children might be exposed to lead, you should consider having your home tested for the presence of lead. A trained inspector can do a paint inspection and can also do a risk assessment to look for sources of lead in general. Samples can be taken as needed and you can be informed if there has already been exposure or if there are things you should do to mitigate the risks.
Learn more about Lead and Lead Testing here

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