4 Things to Know About Lead Paint in a Home

ISTOCK 178794597 LEAD PAINTDangers of Lead

Whether you live in an older home or are planning to move into one soon, you must educate yourself about the dangers of lead paint. Lead  not only affects children but adults can have adverse effects as well. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to be aware of how lead gets into the body and how to avoid it. Here are 4 things to know about lead paint.

FOUR IMPORTANT TO KNOW ITEMS ABOUT LEAD PAINT

  1. Lead paint is almost always in homes built before 1978. The older your home is the more likely it is to contain lead paint. 24{5b6c00ae8a31f44c65b344f315968efbd322bfc6ea45e4e8cca9716c4473fad8} of homes built in between 1960-1977 are likely to contain lead paint. If the home was built in between 1940-1959 it is 69{5b6c00ae8a31f44c65b344f315968efbd322bfc6ea45e4e8cca9716c4473fad8} likely to contain lead. And 87{5b6c00ae8a31f44c65b344f315968efbd322bfc6ea45e4e8cca9716c4473fad8} of homes built before 1940 may contain lead paint! It is simple to test for lead paint. Make sure you know what you are dealing with!
  2. Children under 6 and pregnant women are most susceptible to lead paint exposure. Exposure to lead can cause nervous system and kidney damage, learning disabilities and decreased intelligence, poor muscle coordination, decreased muscle and bone growth, and hearing damage. Pregnant women risk harm to their developing fetus through the placenta when exposed to lead.
  3. The 2 ways lead can enter the body are through ingestion and inhalation. If you suspect lead paint in your home be sure to wipe up any loose paint chips with a damp cloth. Avoid tracking dirt into your home on your shoes. When having lead paint mitigated from your home be sure to hire an EPA certified contractor. Be sue to wash hands thoroughly after touching suspected lead paint and keep anything children use and may put into their mouths free from dust!
  4. When buying a home built before 1978 be aware that you should receive the EPA booklet ” Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home”. If you are selling your home built before 1978 you must fill out the Lead Based Paint Disclosure form. These are required by law!

Protect yourself by educating yourself on the dangers of lead based paint!