| Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead. Lead from the paint, and from chips or dust from the paint, can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.
Lead from this "lead-based paint" can cause lead poisoning, which may result in a number of health problems. In children, high levels of lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, behavioral and learning problems, slow growth, and hearing problems. In adults, lead poisoning can cause reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, nerve disorder, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain.
Lead poisoning is a much greater problem in cities with older buildings, but can occur anywhere where high levels of lead are found in the soil, water supply or air. Lead usually enters the water and air by washing out of water pipes or as the product of air pollution from a variety sources. People who get lead in their bodies usually get it from breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips with lead in them.
The best way for a homeowner to protect himself against lead poisoning is to start getting informed by getting a copy of the pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home," which is available directly from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Also contact the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD.
Federal law requires that home sellers disclose information on lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Any purchase contract must include a federal form giving information about lead-based paint in the building. Buyers have the right to test for lead hazards in a home being purchased, and may cancel their contract without penalty if they are not given the required disclosure and inspection opportunity.
The federal government banned lead-based paint in 1978. Some states stopped use of the product even earlier. Lead can be found in and around all types of construction, whether in the city, the country or the suburbs. It can be found both inside and outside of buildings. It can be found in soil around a building. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gasoline.)
Lead exposure can harm young children and babies, even before they are born. Children and babies are more susceptible to lead than adults, and even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.
People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger.
Those who think their homes might have high levels of lead, should take the following steps:
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