Lead Poisoning Is Number One Threat To Young Children
Families should be aware of the hazards presented by lead and lead-based paint in homes and places where children under six years of age spend time, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in paint and other products found in and around U.S. homes. Beginning in 1978, lead-based paint was banned from residential use, leaded gasoline has been eliminated, and household plumbing is no longer made with lead materials.
Even so, lead remains a major environmental health hazard for young children, the EPA says. Research shows that blood lead levels of 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood (µg/dL) in young children can result in lowered intelligence, reading and learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, and antisocial behavior. However, there currently is no demonstrated safe concentration of lead in blood, and adverse health effects can occur at lower concentrations.
If caught early, the effects of lead can be limited by reducing exposure to lead or through medical treatment, information from the EPA says. Children under six years of age are particularly at risk and pregnant women should avoid exposure to lead as the effects can be passed on to the child, the information reads.
In homes built before 1978, lead still may be present, with the most common source of household lead exposure being the deterioration of lead-based paint, the EPA says.
EPA's Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Paint Rule (RRP) became effective last year. Under the RRP, anyone paid to work on residences built before 1978 and/or facilities where children under the age of six are regularly present (such as daycare centers, schools, clinics, etc.) are required to be Certified Lead Safe by EPA and must be trained to follow specific work practices to reduce lead contamination, and provide the EPA publication "Renovate Right" to owners and/or residents prior to the commencement of the work.
The rule applies when the renovation or repair disturbs six sq. ft. of interior (about the size of a standard poster) or 20 sq. ft (about the size of a standard door) of exterior painted surfaces.
The rule does not apply to individuals doing work on their personal residences. However, EPA recommends that lead-safe work practices be used by individual homeowners whenever possible.
For more information on protecting your home and family from exposure to lead and to find or become a "Certified Lead-Safe Firm" go to: www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).