What Causes Lead Poisoning?
Lead is a toxic metal that may cause a range of health effects in both children and adults, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death. Almost one million children between the ages of one and five have dangerous blood-lead levels. Many houses and apartments built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use, still have lead paint on many surfaces.
One of the leading causes of lead poisoning is dust released from lead-painted window sills when they are opened and closed. Children and adults are also likely to inhale a dangerous level of lead dust, either during or after a renovation. Young children like to put toys and their hands into their mouths. If there’s lead dust on your floors, it goes into their mouths.
Before you risk exposing your family to lead, find out if a hazard exists. Hire a professional lead-testing service because home test kits are not always accurate, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
