Do you know enough about Lead Paint?

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Young children can unknowingly peel off lead paint and accidentally eat it

Some facts about lead paint:

• Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
• Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. 
• Lead can cause health effects to adults and the elderly.
• Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. People can also get lead in their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often invisible.
• Projects that disturb lead-based paint can create dust and endanger you and your family.
• In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

Does your property contain lead?

Older homes, older child care facilities, schools, and other buildings are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Homes may be private, government-assisted or public housing. They may be urban, suburban or rural. 

Percentage of homes likely to contain lead:

• Built between 1960-1978 = 24%
• Built between 1940-1960 = 69%
• Built before 1940 = 87%

What can you do to protect your family from lead in pre-1978 homes?

• If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
• Clean up paint chips immediately.
• Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces. Use mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
• Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil. 

Source: SERVPRO "What You Need to Know About LEAD PAINT" Brochure.