Lead is a metal that can be found throughout our
environment. It can be found in common household items such as fishing lures
and weights, batteries and solder. Unfortunately, it is also found in paint in
old homes, children’s costume jewelry and many other places you might not
suspect. It is all too easy to be subjected to lead
poisoning.
Continued exposure to lead, even low amounts, can cause
brain, nervous system, kidney and red blood cell damage. It can cause high
blood pressure, mental retardation, learning and behavior problems and even
comas or death. Lead poison can be inhaled, ingested
and absorbed through the skin.
People can be exposed to lead and not show any symptoms.
If you suspect lead exposure, see your physician immediately. When symptoms do
appear, they can result in stomachaches, cramps, vomiting, constipation,
headaches, irritability, fatigue, poor appetite and sleeplessness. More serious
damage can follow, including dizziness, clumsiness, paralysis, convulsions and
in children, loss of newly learned skills.
If your plumbing was made before 1930, your pipes may be
pure lead. Many houses have lead solder on their water pipes. If you suspect
the solder may be leaking into your water supply, call your local department of
utilities. Many will deliver a water testing kit to your door, and provide an
analysis of your water free of charge.
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Lead testing kits can be purchased online. Lead testing
sticks are easy to use and inexpensive. They often come in kits, some of which
have at least 16 testing sticks for under $30.00. Simply crush the two labeled
points on the stick and rub the tip of the stick on items in your house. Test
paint (especially peeling paint), old picture frames, pipes, and more. If any
contain lead, the test stick will turn red.
Many lead containing items include children’s costume
jewelry, old costume jewelry, antique picture frames, old paint, old mantels,
old flooring, fishing weights and lures, pipes, solder, candle wicks, stained
glass windows, plant weights for fish tanks, old imported food cans and more.
Do not attempt to remove lead paint yourself. Dust from
the paint will enter the air and cause damage to everyone in your home. There
are companies in your area that provide professional lead paint removal.
If you suspect you or your child has come in contact with
lead, visit your physician immediately.
