National Poison Prevention Week Advice

The folks at OldHouseWeb.com sent us some very useful information that we wanted to pass along to everyone in support of National Poison Prevention Week.

Lead Poisoning

In support of National Poison Prevention Week, March 14-20, OldHouseWeb.com presents, Lead Poisoning and Children: The Risks in Your Old House, a new guide and educational tool for families to help them identify and address the risks of lead, a toxin frequently found in old homes.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead-based paint is the leading cause of lead exposure for children and adults. Whereas toys garner the brunt of media scrutiny with regard to lead poisoning, materials used in old house construction present a significant source of exposure, especially for children. Homes built prior to 1978 are especially at risk, and more than half of the homes built between 1940 and 1960 contain lead-based paints.

Lead poisoning is not to be taken lightly; children exposed to lead can suffer brain damage, impaired mental or physical function, headaches, and learning or behavioral problems. Among adults, lead poisoning can cause irritability, reduced muscle function, nerve damage, elevated blood pressure, memory problems, muscle or joint pain, and reduced reproductive ability. In pregnant woman, lead exposure can hinder proper fetal development.

“Be very cautious when performing house repairs, restoration, or remodeling,” OldHouseWeb.com columnist and home inspector, Bill Kibbel warns. “This can disturb and distribute large amounts of lead containing dust throughout your family’s home.”

In addition to Lead Poisoning and Children: The Risks in Your Old House, OldHouseWeb.com has published a number of articles and a video related to lead-based paint contamination in the home: