Phase I Reports
What is lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust and in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and in our homes. Prior to its ban in 1978, lead was widely used as an additive in fuel (leaded gasoline), in some industrial and manufactured products, but most commonly in paint, ceramics, pipes, solder, and plumbing materials in our homes. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint, but if your home was built before 1978 there is a good chance it has lead-based paint.
Why should I be concerned about lead in my home?
Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning. It is spread when dust is spread by friction surfaces (such as the opening and closing of windows), impact surfaces, (such as the opening and closing of a door), or through chipping/flaking paint of a deteriorated surface. Once spread, it can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Children six years old and younger are most susceptible to the effects of lead.
Children
Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in:
- Behavior and learning problems
- Lower IQ and Hyperactivity
- Slowed growth
- Hearing Problems
- Anemia
In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma and even death.
Read an article about lead testing on children.
Other Adults
Lead is also harmful to other adults. Adults exposed to lead can suffer from:
- Cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension
- Decreased kidney function
- Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
Pregnant Women
Lead can accumulate in our bodies over time, where it is stored in bones along with calcium. During pregnancy, lead is released from the mother’s bones along with calcium and can pass from the mother exposing the fetus or the breastfeeding infant to lead. This can result in serious effects to the developing fetus and infant, including:
- Cause the baby to be born too early or too small;
- Hurt the baby’s brain, kidney’s, and nervous system;
- Increase the likelihood of learning or behavioral problems; and
- Put the mother at risk for miscarriage.
Find out more about lead’s effects on pregnancy and lactating women:
- Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (PDF) (23 pp, 292 KB)
- Guidelines for the Identification and Management of Lead Exposure in Pregnant and lactating Women, National Center for Environmental Health (PDF)(302 pp, 4.2 MB).
Read more on the health effects of lead
What to do about lead in your home
Lead paint is still present in millions of homes, sometimes under layers of newer paint. If the paint is in good shape, the lead paint is usually not a problem and should be left alone. However, if the paint is deteriorating (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp), it is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Be sure to keep all painted surfaces in your home in excellent shape and clean up dust frequently.
Renovation, repair or painting activities can create toxic lead dust when painted surfaces are disturbed or demolished. If you are planning a home repair or renovation project, you may choose to have a Risk Assessment for your home. You should also consider hiring a RRP (Renovation, Repair, Painting) Certified Contractor, or abatement contractor.
Why should I have my home assessed for risks?
- Your child has been diagnosed as having lead poisoning. The most common home-based source of lead exposure is deteriorating lead-based paint and the resulting dust.
- You live in a home built before 1978 where small children are or will be living.
- You are about to remodel or do anything that will disturb lead-based paint or generate lead-based paint dust and chips that can harm you and your family.
- You are renting or buying a home. When buying a home, federal law allows the purchaser the opportunity to conduct testing to determine whether lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards are present. This is especially important if you have (or plan to have) young children in the home. Learn your rights before buying a home.
- You are concerned about possible lead exposure to you, your family and pets, or visitors.
For more information about asbestos visit https://www.epa.gov/lead