Protecting your family from lead in your home is crucial for their health and well-being. If your house was built fifty-plus years ago, lead-based paint could be hidden under refreshed coats of recent vintage or more up-to-date colors. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause severe harm to children, particularly those under the age of six. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that lead exposure can cause various issues, such as cognitive impairment and learning difficulties. It can also damage the nervous system and kidneys.
The EPA provides comprehensive guidance on protecting your family from lead hazards in your home. Here’s how to identify potential lead sources:
- Lead-based paint: Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint.
- Lead pipes: If your home was built before 1986, it may have lead pipes, which can contaminate your drinking water.
- Lead-contaminated soil: Lead from deteriorating paint or other sources can contaminate soil around your home.
- Lead-containing products: Avoid using products that contain lead, such as certain cosmetics, toys, and traditional medicines.
Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home from the EPA provides important information on protecting your family from lead. This easy-to-read booklet highlights the dangers of lead from paint, dust, and soil in and around your home, which can be dangerous if not managed properly. For example, children who seem healthy may have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. The EPA suggests testing children for lead levels even though they may appear healthy. Also, disturbing surfaces with lead-based paint or removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. (The Spanish version is available here).
Preventing lead exposure is essential for protecting your family’s health and well-being. Taking proactive measures and seeking professional guidance when needed can create a safe and healthy home environment for your loved ones.
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About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.
Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).
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