The Environmental Protection Agency is celebrating National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. During this time, the EPA will be increasing ongoing efforts to make Americans aware of the dangers posed by lead, especially in the home where it can affect small children. With the awareness week underway, here are the need-to-know facts about lead poisoning, regulations, and how to reduce the health risks.
* Lead is a toxic heavy metal that had been used in paints and other household materials, according to the EPA.
* In 1978, lead-based paint was banned from use in homes and household pipes were also required to be lead-free.
*Homes dating before 1978 can still have lead-contaminated paints, pipes and other materials.
* The Mayo Clinic notes lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body over months or even years.
* Young children, especially younger than 6 years old, are vulnerable to lead poisoning since it can negatively affect physical and mental growth and even be deadly at higher levels.
* Lead poisoning can be identified through a blood test, which will show the lead levels. An unsafe level is 10 micrograms per deciliter or higher.
* The Department of Housing and Urban Development emphasizes small children can become lead poisoned by putting their hands or other lead-contaminated items in their mouths, eating flaking lead-based paint chips off walls, or playing in lead contaminated soil.
* To reduce the risk of lead poisoning, those with homes older than 1978 should be diligent about cleaning often, namely wiping down surfaces, mopping floors, cleaning up loose paint chips, vacuuming with a special filter, and minimizing dust, as well as using cold tap water for drinking and cooking.
* For young children living or visiting pre-1978 homes, HUD suggests having their blood tested and washing their hands to reduce possible contact with surfaces containing lead residue.
* Homeowners can also have their homes and soil tested for possible lead contamination by a professional.
* The EPA has several laws that are in place to help protect people from lead poisoning in homes.
* The Disclosure Rule requires that people selling or leasing homes disclose whether or not homes dating back to 1978 or earlier contain lead, including lead-based paint.
* The EPA's Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Paint Rule, effective since April 2010, requires anyone paid to work on homes, daycares, schools and clinics to be Certified Lead Safe by the EPA, a certification that requires special training.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
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