Lead
Who is at risk?
Both children and adults are most at risk when lead paint peels, cracks, chips, or deteriorates over time to produce lead dust. Children are at increased risk for lead poisoning through ingestion and contact with lead containing sources.
Symptoms include the following:
- High blood pressure
- Headaches
- Developmental problems in children
- Nausea and abdominal pain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Memory and focus problems
- Mood disorders
- Fertility problems in both men and women
Due to health concerns, the federal government began to phase out lead in gasoline in 1973 and eliminated it by 1996. The US government banned the production of lead-based house paint in 1978. In 1986, the government restricted the lead content of solders, faucets, pipes, and similar plumbing materials.
Primary sources of lead today are:
Old paint dust
Lead-based paint is still found in older homes and buildings. This paint may chip, then turn into dust. Lead dust is the most common way that people are exposed to lead in their homes.
Contaminated soil
Old lead-based paint flaking off the outside of buildings can be easily tracked into homes.
Contaminate drinking water
Lead contamination in drinking water usually comes from distribution or plumbing lines and solder.