There are many dangers of lead paint present in buildings built before 1978. Lead paint was commonly used in residential painting across the country. The EPA estimates that lead-based paint was used in over 38 million American homes before it was made illegal. Its use became prohibited in 1978, but lead paint remains in many homes, both inside and outside. Lead is a toxic substance, and it’s essential to recognize why you should hire a painting company to remove old paint safely.
Health Hazards
Lead is a toxin that can cause brain damage. Exposure to lead can lead to learning disabilities, damage the nervous system, and cause severe behavioral and cognitive complications. Children are especially at risk for these effects, but lead exposure is also dangerous for adults.
Risks of Exposure
Exposure to lead is most often due to lead dust. Although dust can be created inadvertently by sanding or painting the home, it can accumulate over time as tiny particles of decaying lead paint or lead-contaminated soil are tracked into the house. This contaminated dust can quickly settle on surfaces and be transferred to hands. Children are sometimes exposed to lead by consuming lead-contaminated paint chips or soil.
Protective Measures
Try to keep dust out of the home by wiping and cleaning window sills, floors, shelves, and other surfaces that accumulate dust particles. Wipe off shoes when entering the house, and make sure everyone washes their hands regularly for younger children, frequently clean bottles, favorite toys, and pacifiers. Lead dust is usually invisible, so it could be there even if it looks clean.
The Painting Group and Renovation of Kennesaw understands lead’s hazards. Our painting services are built on expertise and knowledge, including approaching lead safely. To learn more about our Kennesaw painting services, call or text us at (770) 599-2297. More details about our family-owned painting company can be found on our website.