How Much is Too Much Lead Paint Exposure in Homes Built Before 1978 in Thousand Oaks, CA
Before you make any moves to knock down walls, or start on any other home improvements, you need to be aware of the risks that could be present if there is any trace of lead paint in your home. There are high risks for any children in your home if there is lead that is stirred up in dust during renovations on your older home. McKay’s Painting is here to talk about the dangers of lead in the paint of your older home.
Lead is a Risk in Homes Built Before 1978
Up until the year 1978, lead was added into the paint that was used on interior and exterior walls of homes. It was in this year that the government made it against the law to add lead into residential paint any longer. This is the main way that children are exposed to lead in the U.S. today. This old paint chips off or gets stirred up in dust and is a true danger to infants and young children. Studies have shown that when young children and infants are exposed to lead, it can damage their brain development even if the lead levels are very small. It has been shown that their IQ can drop as well as attention behavioral problems may be present.
How Much is too Much Lead Exposure?
In recent years, the CDC has lowered the amount of lead that one can be exposed to safely. It used to be 10 micrograms and now has been lowered to 5. There is no way to cure lead poisoning; the only thing you can do is remove the problem to discontinue contamination.
How to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Paint
In order to avoid lead poisoning in your older home, it takes some initiative.
• Know the Age of Your Home– Knowing the age of your home can tell you whether or not you should have your home tested for traces of lead.
• Use the Right Painting Contractors– Before you start any renovations in your home use lead-certified contractors who know and understand the EPA requirements that will keep you safe from lead.
• Fix Peeling Paint– If you notice any areas that have peeling paint, it needs to be repaired promptly. If you are renting, contact your landlord right away so the problem can be taken care of.
• Landscape Wisely– The soil surrounding your home is one of the places that lead is most prevalent. Before starting a new landscaping project, cover the dirt to protect yourself from unsafe levels of lead.
• Wet Scraping– Before you dig into any walls with a hammer or screw driver, EPA suggest you try wet scraping which consists of misting paint before you remove it to keep dust levels down.
Interior, Exterior Painting & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
If you live in an older home, you should always be aware of the risks of lead poisoning in old paint. It can be deadly in severe cases. The professional painters at McKay’s Painting offer interior and exterior paint for residential and commercial settings. Call us today!
