Lead Hazards in Older HomesA Big Problem

Why be concerned about lead in our homes?

Lead has bad effects on young children and can cause health, behavior and learning problems.

The placenta isa structure which allows materials to diffuse from the mother to the developing child, as well as in the opposite direction.

Lead is a small molecule and can easily diffuse to the fetus through the placenta from the mother and have negative consequences for the unborn child.

Why are young children very vulnerable?

– They tend to put objects in their mouths.

– The body organs and the brain in particular is still developing.

Some of these adverse effects include:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system

• Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity, IQ deficits, and ADHD)

• Slowed growth

• Hearing problems • Headaches

Some Health Problems in Children that are Caused by Lead

• Brain or nerve damage

• Hearing Problems

• Slowed growth

• Digestive problems

Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:

• Difficulties during pregnancy • Other reproductive problems (in both men

and women)• High blood pressure• Digestive problems • Nerve disorders • Memory and concentration problems • Muscle and joint pain

Young children often put non-food items into their mouths. Some of these items may have lead dust on their surface.

Sources of lead in or near the home

Lead paint peeling from a shed

Peeling and flaking lead paint in the window and its casing

Flaking and peeling lead paint on old shutters

Lead soldering in plumbing in home water pipes

Porches with cracked or flaking lead paint are hazardous.

Lead in the soil from flaking paint or other sources

This is a problem, especially if children play near where this lead contamination is.

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Some Steps for Reducing Lead Exposure in Contaminated Homes

1. If piper have lead solder – run the water for a few minutes to flush the system.

2. Never sweep or sand flaking lead based paint.

3. Keep children, pregnant women, and other non-workers out of the area you are cleaning.

4. Fix doors and windows that stick when opened and closed.

5. Make flat surfaces smooth and cleanable. For example, remove old carpeting; replace damaged linoleum

6. When removing lead-based paint, workers must wear safety glasses and a NIOSH-approved dust mask.

7. When cleaning lead dust, never dry sweep.

8. Use a vacuum with HEPA filters and wet clean using the two pail technique.