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What are Issues with Lead-Based Paint? Lead-based paint (LBP) was widely used on buildings until 1978, when it was banned on
residential structures by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Commonly known
as "Lead White" paint, White Lead is a mixture of lead (Pb) carbonate and lead
hydroxide, and was one of the oldest pigments used in paint, with some paints for
residential uses containing up to 50% lead by weight.
Over time, lead-based paint may react with certain compounds found in the
air, creating a chalky film or dust that may be released. Also, lead-based paint
that begins to peel, chip, or crack can expose site residents or workers to
contact with these lead compounds. Exposure to this lead is most common among
children, who may become lead-poisoned when they put paint chips or exterior
soil in their mouths, or when they get house dust and soil on their hands and
put their hands in their mouths. In addition, adults who remodel or repaint
these homes may be lead-poisoned if they disturb the lead-based paint and either
inhale or otherwise absorb the lead into their body. While concentrated lead exposure can have adverse effects on nearly all organ
systems in the body, it is especially harmful to the developing brains and
nervous systems of children under the age of six years. At very high blood
lead levels, children can have severe brain damage or even die. At blood
lead levels as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), children's
intelligence, hearing, and growth are affected. Unfortunately, however, most
lead-poisoned children demonstrate no visible symptoms. This makes it much
more important to be aware of the type and condition of building materials,
paints, and coatings, especially in older structures, and for the establishment
of a community-based lead blood-level testing program for children in areas
where older housing may be present. Additional Information: What are the Requirements for Proper Disposal and Testing for Lead-Based
Paint? Disclosure of Lead-Based Paint to Residential Buyers and Leasers
Links: Iowa
Department of Public Health - Bureau of Lead Poisoning US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Information on Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil For more information on Brownfield issues contact:
Mel Pins |
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