Know Your Lead Facts
You may be considering renovating or painting your house this summer. With recent articles about lead and its effects on children, knowing what you can becomes so important. Here are a few tidbits about where to find lead and how to protect your children.
A home built before 1978 is likely to contain lead-based paint since lead based paint was banned for use in 1978. -- If you live in a house built before 1978, consider having a lead risk assessment. Before work begins cover interior and exterior exposed areas with plastic sheeting and turn off forced-air conditioning systems.
Soil - If lead-based paint is the source of soil contamination, most lead will be near painted surfaces such as exterior walls. In such cases, plant bushes next to the house to keep children away. If the soil is contaminated with lead, provide a sandbox with a solid bottom and top cover, and clean sand for children to play and dig in.
Tap water from lead-soldered pipes -- Test your water for lead, never use hot water directly from the tap for cooking or for infant formula.
For additional information visit these websites: Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, and National Center for Healthy Housing.