Long-term exposure to lead can be fatal. Lead can affect almost all organs of the body. Both children and adults can experience negative effects from lead poisoning. Even low amounts of lead exposure can result in severe health consequences.
Here are five household items that can be warning signs that you may have lead inside the house. You should contact a professional lead testing company if you suspect the presence of lead. This is important to avoid exposure to lead and to ensure the safety of your household members.
1. Piping and Paint in Old Homes
One of the most common sources of lead poisoning at home is piping and paint containing lead. Your house may have lead piping and paints if it was built prior to 1978. The federal government banned lead in consumer use paints that year. In general lead pipes were not used after the 1920s, but it was still allowed for solder in drinking water systems until 1986.
Lead contamination is not a problem if the paint is in good condition. However, deteriorating lead paint (cracking, peeling, chipping, or damaged) can result in lead contamination. This is a health hazard that can result in serious negative health effects.
2. Dishware
Certain dishware brands contain high lead content. Lead is generally used to make the outer glazing last longer. In general the concern would be with imported dishware that contains a high lead content. The reason is that not all countries have put limits to lead content in products, similar to the Unites States. So, it’s important that you buy dishware made by a reputable company, that has a lead-free label on it.
3. Pottery and Glass
If you work on pottery or stained glass as a hobby, you might inadvertently expose yourself to lead. Stained glass is sometimes fastened using lead cames. Also, lead is added to pottery pieces to make them durable. If you are not careful, you can expose yourself to lead.
4. Children Toys
Lead can be in the paint or the plastic body of the toy. Chewing or sucking on the toy can lead to lead poisoning. In addition, swallowing the toy can result in exposure to a high lead content resulting in dangerous health effects. Reports have also found lead in inexpensive jewelry and amulets sold at discount stores and certain vending machines. You can read more at the EPA website.
Children can become seriously ill even if exposed to even low levels of lead. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that your children are not exposed to lead through toys.
5. Other Lead-Containing Items
Apart from the above products, there are many other items inside the house that may contain lead. These include lead-glazed ceramics, pewter, leaded crystal, candy wrappers, imported food cans, imported vinyl mini-blinds, and batteries. Lead poisoning can occur if you are not careful when using these items.
If you have reason to believe that there may be lead in your home, locate a professional residential lead testing firm. You can contact SanAir Technologies laboratory with any questions. We provide sample testing and analysis for professional firms, and make use of advanced lead testing methods such as ICP-OES and TCLP that provide accurate and quick results. You contact us by dialing (804) 897-1177.
