Lead
in the Home
Many
house paints made before 1960 contain lead as a pigment. This lead is toxic to humans.
When the paint deteriorates and as painted windows are opened and closed, paint dust
containing lead is released into the home. This paint dust can be inhaled and eaten by the
people living in the house. After 1960, paint manufacturers began to replace the lead
pigment in paints with other non-toxic materials. It wasn't until 1978 that lead was
banned from household paints. It is therefore possible that houses built before 1978 might
contain lead paint, and almost certain that houses built before 1960 contain lead paint.
Children under six years of age are especially sensitive to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning
causes permanent lowering of intelligence. It also causes behavioral problems such as
learning disabilities, sleep disorders, headaches, and behavioral problems. About
1,700,000 childern in the United States have blood lead levels above safe limits, mostly
due to lead paint in their homes. Adults may also be affected by high lead levels with
headaches, high blood pressure, digestive problems, memory and concentration problems,
mood changes, sleep disorders, and muscle and joint pain. It can also cause abnormal
development of the child if a pregnant woman is exposed.
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