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The Danger of Lead Paint
By: Lauren Morgan Ellerman
Most of the homes in the City of Roanoke were built prior to 1976. I imagine most neighborhoods near downtown areas in Virginia have similar homes built around the turn of the century, or after World War II. Older homes have certain charm, but also pose unique risks that newer construction does not. One such risk is the possible exposure to lead paint!
Lead was put into paint for years in the United States, adding strength, durability, and pigment, while creating a fresh appearance that lasted longer than most latex paints. In 1978, the United States Government banned the use of p aint containing more than 0.06% lead (600 ppm) in residential use. Despite federal and state laws prohibiting the use of lead paint for the last thirty years, a great deal of lead paint still exists, coating the walls and windows of many older homes.
Although the mere existence of lead paint is not problematic, if consumed, lead in any form can cause significant problems in children and adults.
How are children exposed?
Paint begins to chip and peel after many years, and paint fragments that line window sills, baseboards etc., are well within an active child’s reach. Most parents have seen their children attempt to place unsafe items in their mouth. Further, children may actually be drawn to the taste of lead paint chips. Studies show that a child’s body, in need of nutrition, may crave nutrients such as lead. In addition to directly ingesting lead paint chips, children can also be exposed and poisoned during unsafe renovations. Lead paint dust may have the same effect as chips upon entering a child’s body. Lastly, children may be exposed to lead from toys, lead pipes, cosmetics and other commercial products.
What are the effects of lead poisoning?
Research reflects that children who have been exposed to dangerous lead levels may have many neurological and/or developmental problems, both short and long term. While some children may not have any symtpms of lead paint poisoning, others will experience headaches, irritability, hearing loss etc. The damage done depends on the lead levels and length of exposure. Sadly, the extent of the damage from lead poisioning may not be realized in many children, until they are adults – making it difficult to link the symptoms and problems to the lead posioning.
How to get your child tested?
A blood test is required to check your child for lead. Most local city / county health departments can arrange to have the test and lab work performed for your child. If not, call your local hospital and ask for assistance in arranging the test. This is not something you should wait on, as repeated testing will need to be done until the lead levels are again in normal range.
What is high lead level for children?
If a blood test reflects your child’s lead level to be 10 or below, they have been exposed to lead. Levels between 10-30 are indications of lead poisoning and medical care is needed. Levels between 30-60 may cause significant developmental and neurological problems from the exposure. Levels above 60 are considered medical emergencies.
How to test your home for lead?
Many cities and counties have lead programs and will test your home for lead paint. You can also buy a lead paint testing kit yourself, although we recommend calling the professionals. In Virginia, there is a certification for lead paint testing – so call someone who has the state certification and experience.
For more information go to:
EPA’s website: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/chancefactsheet.pdf
CDC’s website: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ChildhoodLead/
Family Doctor: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/safety/kids-family/617.html
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Lauren Ellerman is an associate with Frith Law Firm, P.C., a firm
focusing on medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, lead paint poisoning, and business torts. Copyright © 2007 by
Frith Law Firm, P.C. All rights reserved under U.S.
and international law.
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