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Lead Fact # 11

At one time, lead paint was used in nearly every house built in the United States. In 1978, the use of lead paint in residential buildings was outlawed in the United States. Currently, the EPA governs the removal or abatement of lead paint. So, if you are planning to remodel a property that was built prior to the 1978 ban, make sure you hire a reputable EPA test consultant and contractor to…

Lead Fact # 10

High levels of lead in the blood can cause health, mental, and behavioral challenges in developing children and extremely high levels can even cause death. Even low levels of lead are linked to a decrease in IQ. Additionally, lead passes through the placenta of pregnant women and into the unborn baby’s bloodstream resulting in health complications for both mother and baby. 

Lead Fact # 8

For thousands of years, people used lead to create irrigation systems and pipes to carry drinking water into ancient cities, like Rome. The flexible and versatile nature of lead makes it an easy metal to work with for a variety of applications. 

Lead Fact # 7

Testing is the only way to identify lead poisoning. If you suspect there is lead in your home, use the Green Ready, Inc. business directory to find an EPA-licensed testing consultant. If you are experiencing symptoms of lead poisoning, make an appointment with your doctor and ask them to test you for lead and heavy metal poisoning. 

Lead Fact # 6

If you have chipping paint on your property and you are unsure if our home contains lead paint, cover any chipping paint with tape or contact paper. First, vacuum and wipe the area to remove loose paint chips and dust. Then, cover chipping areas to prevent exposure. Next, contact a licensed EPA-licensed testing consultant to determine if your home contains lead paint. 

Lead Fact # 5

Lead poisoning is possible at any age, but typically toddlers and younger children are at higher risk. Simply washing your hands regularly, especially before eating and sleeping, reduces your risk of exposure. 

Lead Fact # 4

Ingesting lead leads to a build up of the heavy metal toxins, which are connected to many adverse mental and physical health problems. In young children, heavy metal toxicity often causes developmental issues. 

Lead Fact # 2

Inhaling or swallowing lead paint causes lead poisoning. No amount of lead exposure is safe. Even touching surfaces painted with lead paint causes unhealthy levels of heavy metals. This means toddlers and small children are at the highest risk for exposure.

The effects of lead poisoning include behavior and learning disabilities.

However, washing your hands regularly and wiping down surfaces…

Lead Fact # 3

On the periodic table of elements, lead is represented by Pb and it is element number 82. The chemical makeup of lead is very similar to tin. In fact, for many years people confused the two. 

The History of Asbestos

Asbestos is not a new discovery by any means. At one time the killer was regarded as a “miracle mineral,” because it exhibits an unnatural ability to resist heat. Some historians believe the name asbestos derived from the Greek word “sasbestos,” which means unquenchable. 

Lead Fact # 1

The Most Common Properties and Types of Asbestos

Image via Flickr by lin440315

The EPA warns that exposure to any of the known types of asbestos is harmful and prolonged exposure results in long-term disabilities and even death.  When most people hear asbestos they automatically think of the health risks associated with exposure. However, few people are aware asbestos is a plant that grows in the wild and that the fibers are still being used…