Why Lead Based Paints are to be Avoided & How to Reduce Exposure?

Recent studies have proven that lead is a very detrimental pollutant for the environment. Human beings are being bared to lead by air, through drinking water, food intake, paint and dust. Paint with heavy volumes of lead is very detrimental to health, as every time we breathe the lead particles enter the body. Exposure to lead can also occur when human beings are exposed to incorrect methods of removal of lead paint. Lead is known to distress all our body systems and most of its effects are irreversible. Here is a list of things you should know about lead paints and how to avoid exposure to it. 

1.    Affect General Well Being

Lead intake or exposure of high intensity can cause a human to go into coma or cause convulsions that can lead to his demise. However, lower levels are equally harmful as they affect the functioning of the brain, the state of the nervous system, kidneys and blood cells.

2.    Children, Babies, Pregnant Women Worst Affected

Children with lower immunity are reported to be distressed the most. Pregnant women are known to have fetuses with delayed mental and physical development. The intelligence levels of small children gets adversely limited, the span of attention is shortened and they might also display behavioral issues. Children are the worst sufferers as their tissues are still growing and are sensitive, also because they play with soil or dust and put dirty fingers into heir mouth.

3.    How Lead Causes Harm to Our Homes

A well painted house is not an issue for lead exposure. The problem arises if the paint is peeling or has got old and is coming off.  Residue from lead paints has been found in top soil and in landscapes around residential areas. Children are known to scratch pain from doors and windows and indirectly ingest lead. Disturbing any surface that has been painted with lead paint will lead to exposure, be it a primer or top coat, so it is suggested to call roof painters in Auckland, to execute the job professionally.

4.    Renovation Of Homes – The Harmful Effects Of Paint Removal

Renovations create havoc in lead levels without the knowledge of the property owner.  Special care should be taken about disposal of old paint chips and residue. They are generally left in the yard or the garden and later get absorbed in the soil. Paint removal techniques that use burning of old paint, scraping, sanding or blasting actually convert the lead into particles small enough to be inhaled. Complete elimination of such particles is not possible.

5.    Protect Your Family – Get The Entire Family Tested For Presence Of Lead In The Blood

Do not take it lying down and consult your doctor for getting your family tested for lead in the blood. Clear results do not imply that you are out of the dock, any evidence of peeling or old paint in the house can raise the threat level again. Follow these simply steps-

·         Take special care of toddlers and keep their toys clean to minimize intake of dust

·         Keep play areas, floors clean by mopping with a cleaner specially made for lead

·         Put children in a habit of cleaning their hands before and after meals

·         Protect your pets too, as they are in direct contact with your children

·         Get your paint tested by painters in Auckland,  to be doubly sure

·         Give special attention  to iron and calcium intake of your child to build his immunity

Author Bio

Jon Ferris has vast experience in managing a painters company in Auckland. He possesses knowledge about every nitty-gritty aspect of the job, and the complexities involved in painting the more elaborate projects around the town.