Why lead-based paint is considered dangerous?
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Why lead-based paint is considered dangerous?
Lead is a toxic substance that can affect people of any age. It is especially harmful to children, pregnant women and unborn babies. Lead accumulates in your body, so even small amounts can pose a health hazard over time.
Why is lead dangerous?
Exposure to high levels of lead may cause anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. Very high lead exposure can cause death. Lead can cross the placental barrier, which means pregnant women who are exposed to lead also expose their unborn child. Lead can damage a developing baby’s nervous system.
Is lead paint something to worry about?
Lead paint is still present in millions of homes, sometimes under layers of newer paint. If the paint is in good shape, the lead paint is usually not a problem. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention.
How much lead paint is dangerous?
Between 40 and 80 µg/dL, serious health damage may be occuring, even if there are no symptoms (seriously elevated).
What happens if you breathe in lead paint?
Chronic, ongoing exposure to high levels of lead may also cause: Severe damage to the brain and kidneys. Reproductive system damage. Increased blood pressure.
Does painting over lead paint make it safe?
Yes, painting over lead paint is safe. It forms a barrier against the toxins in the lead paint. However, it’s only safe and effective if the lead paint’s old finish is in good condition. Also, you can’t just use any type of paint.
What happens if you inhale lead paint dust?
The greatest risk is to brain development, where irreversible damage can occur. Higher levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults. Very high lead levels may cause seizures, unconsciousness and death.
Can you get lead poisoning from scraping paint?
Lead paint is very dangerous when it is being stripped or sanded. These actions release fine lead dust into the air. Infants and children living in pre-1960’s housing (when paint often contained lead) have the highest risk of lead poisoning. Small children often swallow paint chips or dust from lead-based paint.
Is it safe to live in a house with lead paint?
(To be completely safe, you may want to consider treating any lead paint–covered surfaces, if you have children living in your home or visiting frequently.) Lead-based paint is most dangerous when it is deteriorating—peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, etc.
Is lead paint harmful to adults?
Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause damage over time, especially in children. The greatest risk is to brain development, where irreversible damage can occur. Higher levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults.
What do you do if you have lead paint?
What Can I Do If I Have Lead Paint in the House?
- Immediately clean up any paint chips you find.
- Keep play areas clean.
- Don’t let children chew on painted surfaces.
- Clean dust off of window sills and other surfaces on a regular basis, using a sponge, mop, or paper towels with warm water.
What happens if I breathe in lead paint dust?
Exposure to lead can harm nearly every system in the body. It can even kill. Lead accumulates in our bones, liver, and kidneys and can get into our blood. The effects of lead poisoning may continue after the source of exposure has been eliminated.