Microecologies, inc.

Leaders in the Science of Indoor Air Quality
Mold Assessment • HVAC Assessment • Chemical Vapor Assessment
Serving NYC, Metro NY, NJ and CT for over 30 years

“Dedicated to finding the source
of our client’s health problems”
Bill Sothern, DrPH, CIH, Founder

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Phone: 212-755-3265
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Lead Poisoning

by

Microecologies

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Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body over a period of months or years. Although everyone is vulnerable to lead, it is most dangerous for young children. Signs of lead poisoning in children include developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, loss of appetite or weight, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, and hearing loss. In adults, lead poisoning can cause high blood pressure, abdominal pain, constipation, joint or muscle pains, numbness or tingling in extremities, declines in mental function, mood disorders, memory loss, headache, and reproductive problems. In milder cases, lead poisoning can be treated by removing the exposure. In more serious cases, lead poisoning is treated with chelation therapy or EDTA therapy. Depending on the level of exposure and the resulting health consequences, some effects of lead poisoning may be irreversible.

The most common source of lead exposure, especially for children, is lead-based paint. Lead-based paint has a sweet taste, and young children may eat paint chips, suck on windowsills or banisters, or put lead-painted toys in their mouths. Although lead-based paint has been banned in the US since 1978, if you live in an older building, there may be old layers of lead-based paint on the walls or woodwork. Other sources of lead exposure include lead pipes, which may release lead particles into drinking water, imported canned goods, some traditional medicines, soil, household dust, some pottery, and kohl. If you are concerned that there may be lead-based paint in your home, an environmental health investigator can inspect your home and perform laboratory tests that can determine your risk of exposure.

To prevent lead poisoning, take steps to reduce exposure in the home. Clean regularly and dust with a wet cloth to remove lead-containing dust, wash hands and toys, keep children from eating soil, and use cold tap water for cooking. If you are performing any renovations in your home yourself, take precautions to protect your health. Some lead-based paint can be removed, and some must be sealed over. Do not attempt to remove lead-based paint by sanding or by using a blow torch. Wear protective clothing, and do not eat in your work area. Do not cut corners on safety to save a few dollars! Your health is not work the risk!