Lead is a heavy metal that exists in dust, soil, and air. The paints of homes that were built before 1978 may also contain lead. Exposure to this lead may cause severe medical problems. Fortunately, you can prevent lead exposure if you know where the lead is in your home.

Keep reading to learn the most common sources of lead in the home and what you can do to detect and eliminate them.

1. Lead-Based Paint

Lead-based paint is one of the main causes of lead poisoning. The paint is typically from before 1978, which is the year the U.S. banned using lead in paints. If your home was built before then, it probably contains lead-based paint.

The paint can flake, peel, or chip and turn into household dust. This happens when you scrap, sand, or tear the paint during remodeling. High friction areas like the windows and doors can also cause the paint to come off.

To prevent lead exposure, you must wash your children’s hands regularly, particularly before sleeping and eating. You can also warn your children to stay away from paint peels. Another possible solution is to get rid of paint chips immediately and dispose of the particles in a sealed garbage bag.

2. Soil

Lead in fences and buildings can end up in the soil. Previous use of lead in gasoline may have also caused the element to end up in the soils near intersections and major roads.

You can protect your children from lead in the soil by preventing them from eating or touching soil near your house or the street. Use a ground cover to prevent lead exposure if bare soil exists in your yard. Another necessary action is to remove your shoes before you enter the house.

3. Food and Water

Certain foods and contaminated water may be a lead source in your home. Lead pipes or pipes that use lead soldering may cause lead contamination in water. These pipes were ubiquitous in previous decades before countries began to control the use of lead. Some plumbing features may contain lead materials that can contaminate water if your home is old.

On the other hand, lead may find its way into your home through food packaging. For example, glass packages that transport food internationally may contain lead materials. Bowls that have lead glazes can also transfer lead to liquids and food. Moreover, this problem can occur if the food comes from a lead-contaminated farm.

The solution may be to change the plumbing in your home and use non-lead pipes. You should also avoid food containers with lead traces. Usually, these containers contain ceramic pottery and originate from specific countries outside the U.S.

You can also identify the containers since many of them are heavy and may have bright colors. The presence of a dull coloration on the seams of a food container may also be a reason to worry.

4. Toys

Lead can be present in some children’s toys. Manufacturers may use lead to make plastic softer. However, lead in toys is typically an alloy that combines with other metals.

Once the toys are left in the sun, they will degrade and produce a lead coating. Your child may ingest the coating and suffer from lead poisoning. Old toys, as well as toys from countries without strict lead regulations, are usually the culprits.

You may not be able to test if a toy contains lead. The safe option is to throw away any toy you suspect contains lead.

Protect Your Family From Lead Poisoning

Lead is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems. With the help of New York State Lead, you can remove dangerous toxins from your home, soil, and water.

We also provide lead removal services to property management companies and government agencies. Contact us for effective and affordable lead removal services.