Did you know that millions of homes across the country still have lead-based paint? Whether buried under layers of newer paint or recently exposed, many houses built before 1978 still have lead paint on the walls, windows and window sills, doors and frames, railings and stairs.
In 1978, the federal government passed a Consumer Product Safety Act banning the use of lead-based products from being available to consumers and used as building materials. Contact Us For A Free Estimate
What Is Lead Paint?
Lead is a naturally found substance in the Earth’s crust — and also found in the soil, air and water — that until the late ’70s was used in a variety of consumer products like paint, plumbing, batteries, ammunition, toys, gasoline and cosmetics. Several manufacturers preferred adding white lead to their paint products because it was inexpensive and abundantly available, but also because it was believed to be of superior quality, with improved durability over other products.
With the passing of the Consumer Product Safety Act of 1978, it was widely understood that exposure to lead to could lead to serious health hazards for adults, children and animals. Due to its widespread use for building houses, millions of homes still feature lead paint somewhere in the structure, and lead dust is the most common cause of lead poisoning today.
Who Is At-Risk for Exposure?
Due to its extremely hazardous nature, lead is no longer used for creating and manufacturing products, but it can still be found throughout homes, plumbing, schools and childcare facilities, ceramics, soil and drinking water. Lead paint that is covered underneath new layers does not pose a health risk for anyone nearby, but exposed and damaged lead paint that is chipping, peeling or chalking poses serious health risks to adults — particularly pregnant women — and children.
Children have a higher risk of developing lead-related health concerns because kids can absorb more lead than adults. Lead exposure for children is especially harmful to their developing nervous systems, but it can also cause decreased IQ, lower academic achievement, increased chances of developing ADD or ADHD, slower growth, delayed puberty and anemia.
Young children are also at a higher risk of being exposed to lead because they’ll often put their hands in their mouths, which could be contaminated by objects that contain lead, or eat or drink food and beverages from containers that hold lead, inhale lead dust or play with toys crafted using lead paint.
Adults are often exposed to lead by spending time in structures that have lead paint and are being renovated or repaired. These disturbed paint surfaces in homes and building end up creating lead dust that adults can inhale and which leads to decreased kidney function, high blood pressure, increased chances of hypertension and tremors. Pregnant women should be particularly wary of lead exposure because it could affect the development of her baby.
Where Is Lead Paint in Your Home?
In homes built before 1978, lead paint is often present on walls, windows and sills, doors and frames, stairs and railings. To know if your home is positive for lead paint, you can trust a professional to take a sample and have it tested for lead.
Lead paint that is in good condition poses no health risks for you and your family. You can ensure its good condition by:
- Regularly checking surfaces for signs of deterioration, peeling or cracking — and addressing instances immediately to prevent additional damage.
- When paint chips, carefully remove the piece with a damp paper towel and then wipe the area clean with a wet towel.
- Wipe all surfaces containing lead paint with a damp paper towel at least once per week, then toss the towel.
For added peace of mind, you can trust a lead removal specialist to treat or completely remove your lead paint to prevent lead exposure and the related health risks. One of the professionals at Haven Property Solutions can work closely with you to find the best options to fit your budget and needs. We’re EPA-certified in Lead RRP, following the strictest EPA-approved methods of treatment, including removal, enclosure and encapsulation.
Call Haven Property Solutions to Safely and Effectively Remove Lead Paint From Your Home
When you need help removing lead paint throughout your home, trust the trained, knowledgeable and friendly local professionals at Haven Property Solutions. We have over 20 years of experience working with homeowners throughout the Greater New York Area in towns like Middletown, Newburgh and Goshen, NY in addition to areas in NJ & PA, to completely remove lead paint and eliminate health concerns related to lead paint. For our customers’ convenience, we also offer free service estimates and free onsite inspections.
Schedule your lead paint abatement services today: email us or call us today at 845-644-4033 to speak to a team member.
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