Lead-Based Paint in Your Home: What the Risks Are and What is Being Done About it

1. Lead-Based Paint in Your Home: What the Risks Are and What is Being Done About it About Lead-Based Paint The Risks for Your Family Risks Around the World CHINA A recent study shows that half of the newly manufactured paints in China contained at least 600ppm lead, whereas 25% exceeded 5,000ppm. The highest sample contained 153,000ppm lead, accounting for about 15% of the total paint weight (8). INDIA Researchers recently tested paint that was intended for residential use in India. They found that 84% of oil-based paints exceeded the legal level of .06% (4). NIGERIA Paint samples from building in four major Nigerian cities were tested for lead levels. The results showed that high lead levels are extremely present in the paint (9). • Having lead-based paint in your home puts your entire family at risk for lead poisoning. Children are the most susceptible to lead poisoning. Furthermore, household pets, especially dogs, can also feel the negative effects of lead exposure. Here are some of the medical risks of living in a lead-contaminated home (1). • The most common way of getting lead poisoning for children is by ingestion of paint chips called pica. Pica has a sweet flavor, enticing children to eat the paint chips repeatedly (1). • Children may also get lead poisoning by playing in lead-contaminated soil outside your home (1). • Lead gets into the blood stream and can damage the brain, kidneys, nerves, and blood (1). • Lead poisoning can cause behavioral disorders, learning problems, and seizures (1). • Symptoms include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness, and irritability (1). • Some children show no signs of lead poisoning (1). • Why is lead used in paint? • Lead gives the paint a lusty color (9). • Leaded paint dries quickly (4). • It is resistant to corrosion (4). • White lead, or cerruse, is used in white paints. • Galena, or lead sulfide, is used to make black paints. • Minium, another form of lead, is used in red pigments. • Yellow chromate lead makes a very brilliant yellow paint. What the Government Is Doing What You Can Do To Stay Healthy • If there is lead-based paint in your home, there are certain precautions that can be taken to lessen your exposure to lead. • Wipe down flat surfaces with a damp paper towel (1). • Pay special attention to surfaces such as window sills, where paint can easily be ground to dust (1). • Mop smooth floors at least once every week (1). • Vacuum carpets and upholstery to control dust (3). • Avoid creating lead dust when remodeling or maintaining your home (10). • Frequently wash your child’s hands and toys (1). • Carefully dispose of loose paint chips (1). • Remove or cover the painted item (10). • Have your home and your family tested for lead exposure (10). EPA CPSC FDA The Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act prohibited the use of lead-based paint on cooking, drinking, and eating utensils made after January 13, 1971. Furthermore, it forbade the use of leaded paint on toys and furniture, and on houses constructed or rehabilitated by the government (7). In the fall of 1977, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission finalized a ban on leaded paint. The ban stipulates that only .06% lead can be present in consumer paints. Previously, the maximum legal level was .5%. The action was taken in order to reduce lead poisoning in children, who may ingest paint chips or peelings (2). The EPA sponsors a lead-based paint abatement and activities regulation. Abatement refers to permanent elimination of lead-based paint hazards. This includes preparation, cleanup, and clearance testing of authorized programs (5). HUD The HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program works to identify and control lead-based paint in homes. Annually, HUD spends approximately $90 million on grants to remove lead from eligible homes. This is the largest grant program in the country for lead paint removal (6). Alecia Riccio Science and Society December 11, 2008