Home
Lead Paint
by Daniel Conte
Driving through our state, one might think that the lead paint problem affects only those people living in the inner city. Nothing could be further from the truth! While it is true that many of these buildings were constructed or maintained with materials which contain lead or lead-based paint, this is not the only source of contamination. Take a look around - lead is all around us.
Until a few years ago, one of the most prevalent sources of lead aside from being in paint was in gasoline. Since many homes and apartments are close to where highways were built, the residual effects of auto emissions added to the lead dilemma. Lead is not just an urban issue. It affects some of the most expensive and exclusive homes in any area. In fact most homes built before 1978 probably contain lead or lead-based paint for the simple reason that it was one of the most durable products available. It was used in pipes, solder and paint. It can show up in glass, on wood surfaces, in soil and water. The very infrastructure of our cities and towns was developed with lead pipes.
How harmful is lead based paint and how do we protect our children? Studies have shown that a child that is lead poisoned can experience not only serious health problems but can also develop behavioral conditions which can improperly label a child as aggressive or lacking the appropriate social skills in order to succeed in our society. In these cases, a child is defined by the state as a person who is under the age of six. Part of the solution is regulation, most of it is common sense.
Have you ever watched a child looking out of a window? They barely reach the window sill! What you probably don't realize, is that sticky hands and fingers can be a facilitator of poisoning. Lead dust in window wells can be ingested into the body by a child simply licking their fingers. How do we lower the risk? Good hygiene is a start, along with clean conditions at home.
If you determine that your property is a candidate for testing, you should know that most inspectors rely on an XRF Spectrum Analyzer. This equipment measures the level of lead in a surface by means of an x-ray and does not disturb the surface tested. It is the only non-invasive procedure for testing. There is a process called chip sampling which requires that an actual sample be taken from a painted surface. A licensed and certified inspector who has been trained on the use of this instrument can provide you with valuable information, whether you are deciding on a home purchase or simply want peace of mind.
If you find that your home has unacceptable levels of lead, don't despair. Depending on your circumstances, there may be a less costly solution. The State of Connecticut recently passed new regulations which permit the encapsulation of lead surfaces. The State of Connecticut's Department of Public Health and Addiction Services is the agency in charge of the implementation of the ever-changing regulations and can provide individuals with information regarding what you can do to better protect your family.