Why Is Lead Paint Bad?

March 26, 2018 9:23 pm Published by Leave your thoughtsIn recent decades, legislation and regulations around the world have cracked down on the use of lead paint in construction and manufacturing. Although most people know that lead paint is dangerous, many aren’t familiar with the particular implications of lead exposure. The truth is that there are lots of misconceptions floating around about lead paint that can confuse people and prevent them from taking the proper steps to keep themselves and their families safe. Because of how serious lead poisoning can be, it’s essential that you educate yourself about the dangers of lead paint and what you can do to protect your home. Below are some tips from a paint and hardware store in Fleischmanns, NY.Lead’s effects on healthPeople may be exposed to lead in a number of ways, including through water, air, food, soil, dust and paint. In the United States, the primary medium of lead exposure is through lead-based paint. Before 1960, most homes contained paint with high levels of lead. Many homes built between 1960 and 1978—the year that lead was banned from paint manufacturing—also have paint containing lead. Although any exposure to lead paint can be harmful, it becomes especially hazardous during home projects and renovations involving sanding and scraping.Lead exposure causes a variety of health problems, ranging from minor irritation to brain damage and even death. At high levels, lead can cause comas and convulsions, and it can affect the central nervous system, the circulatory system, the kidneys and the brain at low levels. For children, lead exposure can be even more severe. Children who live in homes with high levels of lead paint may experience inhibited mental and physical development, as well as attention problems and behavioral issues.What you need to know about lead paintOne of the most important things to keep in mind is the fact that any home built before 1978 is likely to contain some lead paint. Since lead paint was slowly phased out of production over time, the older the home is, the more likely it is to contain lead paint. Exposure to lead-based paint becomes much riskier when work is done on your home. This is because different projects can cause the lead paint particles to contaminate the air and other surfaces in your home. The best way to avoid this is to hire a professional contractor who adheres to the EPA’s guidelines for lead paint removal.If you find that your home contains lead paint, the most important thing to do is to have your family tested for exposure, especially if you have young children. You may choose to cover the paint with another surface, like drywall, from a hardware store in Fleischmanns, NY. You can also opt to remove it entirely. Speak to a professional about your options so that you can make the best choice for you.At Wadler Bros. Inc., we are committed to helping you find all of the products and materials you need to ensure that your house is updated to be both safe and beautiful. We were founded in 1959 and are proud to offer a wide range of quality products and services at our hardware store in Fleischmanns, NY. We would be happy to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Come see us today!

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