Most of the paint used prior to 1960, and some through 1978, contains lead. There are tests for determining if a paint contains lead. Harm from lead occurs when ingested or inhaled. Poisoning can occur at any time, especially when renovation or de-leading is being performed. AVOID CONTACT: This goes for workers and occupants alike. NEVER burn or sand lead paint to remove it;
Children are the most susceptible to lead poisoning. They pick up the lead paint dust in their eyes, on their hands and through their mouths. Lead paint does NOT have to be peeling or chipping away to create a health hazard. Operation of windows whose casements have been painted with lead paint is a common source for the generation of lead paint dust and poisoning;
Lead paint poisoning in children can cause brain damage. Children poisoned by lead demonstrate lowered IQs for their entire lives and have learning disabilities. Studies have shown that even relatively low levels of lead create health problems in children, and many states have lowered the permissible level in a child’s blood. It is a myth that only inner-city children are poisoned by lead paint; children from all social levels and geographic locations have been poisoned;
The safest way to avoid the risk of lead poisoning from paint is either to remove the paint entirely, or cover it up with wallboard or paneling. Extreme care must be taken when cleaning up after lead paint removal. Paint chips and scrapings, chemicals, and the rags used to wipe the surfaces must be disposed of safely so children and animals cannot touch, play with or ingest them;
Contact your state health department for more detailed information about how to collect a paint sample and arrange for it to be tested using either chemical or radiation methods. The radiation method, while slightly more expensive, is less likely to give a false reading of the true level of lead present in your paint.
