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Although paint manufacturers lowered the amount of lead in paint during the 1950's,
lead-based paint continued to be used on homes until it was banned in 1978. Any
home built before that time and especially homes built before 1960 may contain
high concentrations of lead-based paint.
Children less than six years old are at greatest risk of lead poisoning because
the developing brain and nervous system are easily damaged by lead and because
hand-to-mouth activities put young children at greater risk of exposure. Young
children also absorb and retain more lead than older children and adults.
Pregnant women are also at risk.
Childhood lead exposure is widespread. Medical research shows that low level lead
exposure that does not cause noticeable illness may cause permanent brain
damage, reduced intelligence, behavioral problems, lower academic achievement
and reduced physical growth. Nationwide, it is estimated that nine percent of
children less than six years old have elevated blood lead levels.
Lead based paint is not a hazard unless it becomes accessible. It can become accessible
through friction and impact surfaces (windows, doors, floors), chipping and
flaking paint, chewable surfaces (window sills, etc.), build up in soil, and
water (pipes with lead solder).
The primary source of lead exposure to children is deteriorating lead-based paint.
In addition to paint on older buildings, soil around buildings and house dust
may be contaminated with lead from paint. Children do not have to eat paint
chips to become poisoned. Simply crawling or playing in lead-contaminated soil
or dust may result in children ingesting or inhaling substantial amounts of
lead. In some cases lead exposure does result from mouthing or chewing on
painted surfaces.
If you suspect that your house has lead hazards, you can take some immediate steps
to reduce your family's risk:
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If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
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Clean up paint chips immediately.
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Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly.
Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general
all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead. REMEMBER:
NEVER MIX AMMONIA AND BLEACH PRODUCTS TOGETHER SINCE THEY CAN FORM A
DANGEROUS GAS.
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Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
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Wash children's hands often, especially before they eat and before nap time and bed time.
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Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly.
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Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.
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Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.
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Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium, such as spinach and low-fat dairy products.
Children with good diets absorb less lead.
A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Blood tests are important for:
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Children less than six (6) years old who live in an older home with cracking or peeling pint).
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Family members that you think might have high levels of lead.
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If your child is older than 1 year, talk to your doctor about whether your child needs testing.
Your doctor or health center can do blood tests. They are inexpensive and sometimes
free. Your doctor will explain what the test results mean. Treatment can range
from changes in your diet to medication or a hospital stay.
If you think that your home may contain lead-based paint, DO NOT attempt to
remove paint yourself. Do-it-yourself home repairs or renovations involving
removal or destruction of lead-based paint can increase the hazard by spreading
lead-contaminated dust. Any method used to remove lead-based paint is likely to
produce lead-contaminated dust or fumes that will pose a threat to occupants
long after the work is finished. Lead-based paint should be removed only by
professionals with specialized training to contain dust and other wastes and to
protect themselves and occupants from lead exposure. There are no completely
safe methods for removing lead-based paint.
Covering or encapsulating lead-based paint is considered the safest method of reducing
lead poisoning hazards in the home. Outside surfaces can be covered with vinyl
or aluminum siding. Inside surfaces can be covered with wallboard or paneling.
Doors and other woodwork can be removed and replaced or can be taken to a
commercial stripping operation to remove paint.
If you are planning renovations on an older house, test for lead based paint before
disturbing any painted surfaces.
FOR THOSE THAT NEED A LEAD HAZARD INVESTIGATION WITH NO LEAD POISONED CHILD, CALL
HEALTH HAZARD CONTROL BRANCH AT 919-707-5950.
Trained professionals use a range of methods when checking your home, including:
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Visual inspection of paint condition and location.
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Lab tests of paint samples.
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Surface dust tests.
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A portable x-ray fluorescence machine.
Home test kits for lead are available, but recent studies suggest that they are not
always accurate. Consumers should not rely on these tests before doing renovations
or to assure safety.
Lead Program Information:
NC Children's Environmental Health Branch
NC Health Hazards Control Unit
Rules Governing Lead Poisoning Prevention in Children
Environmental Health Home
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