Four Potential Dangers Associated with Lead Exposure to Ensure a Safer Living Environment

Lead Paint Testing NYC

Buying a house is the biggest investment most of us would ever make. On top of that, if you get a good bargain on the old house, you can easily get on the 9th cloud. A midcentury-modern house can be very exciting due to its classic structure and renovated modern aesthetics. 

However, your dream of relaxing in your home after a hectic day at work could be in jeopardy with these dangers lurking around due to lead paint, lead in dust, lead in water, or lead in soil.

If you don’t want to endanger your health, it’s best that you get your home or property lead tested. Here are the potential dangers you can experience because of lead exposure. 

The Four Potential Dangers of Lead Exposure in Manhattan 

Danger#1: Lead in the Structure

Lead was excessively used in the construction of structures before the 1980s. Due to its durability and longevity, it can withstand harsh environmental conditions and remain crack resistant for longer. However, living in such an environment can cause severe health conditions for adults, especially infants. Therefore, it is suggested to get a lead inspection done on the structure of your house. You should check The following structural areas for lead exposure.

Lead in Paint

In the early 20th century, white lead was considered the best pigment used in paint for its durability, fast drying, and moisture resistance properties. It wasn’t until 1978 that lead paint was banned and labeled a neurotoxin. 

Therefore, looking for lead dust in your home is suggested, especially on trims and moldings. Lead poisoning usually occurs by scratching and sanding old paint, transforming it into airborne particles that can be easily inhaled. Staying in such an environment for a prolonged period can adversely affect your health.

Danger#2: Lead in Water

The classic example of lead lurking in your home through water is that of Flint, Michigan in 2014, which exposed thousands of individuals to high lead concentrations. After the incident, many protective measures were taken to prevent it from happening again.

However, if you own an old home, you should be aware of the plumbing situation in your home. Lead has been excessively used in pipes and soldering of copper pipes. The Lead can leach into the water through coercion, especially if water is acidic or possesses a low mineral count.

Water that contains lead has no odor, or taste. This makes it almost impossible to detect. The only possible way to know if your drinking water has lead is by getting your plumbing structure inspected by an EPA-certified lead inspection company.

Danger#3: Lead in Soil

Lead haunts old houses, but it is also in the outside soil. And it can easily lurk in your home in dust on your shoes or from your garden. Therefore, getting your garden soil tested for lead is essential to avoid lead poisoning.

Now that you know that your garden might have high lead concentrations, you might wonder if it is safe to consume vegetables grown in such soil. The answer depends on the concentration of lead in the soil and the vegetables grown. However, the threat of lead poisoning does not stem from eating vegetables grown in such an environment. Instead, consuming that soil directly poses a larger threat. This happens usually in households with children who intentionally consume soil or play in the soil.

According to a survey, lead content in urban areas may range from 100 ppm to 1000 ppm. This higher lead concentration in urban districts is a direct effect of industrialization. If your home is near an industrial area, the soil is likely heavily contaminated with lead. Or if you live near a highway, lead dust from vehicles can also reach your doorsteps. 

For that reason, it is essential to get your soil tested by a reputed lead inspection company to keep lead poisoning at bay.

Danger#4: Lead in Consumer Products

There is no surefire way to contemplate whether any product has lead in it or not. Therefore, you are prone to a much larger risk of accidentally bringing this danger home. Here are some common household products that might contain lead

Toys: lead is not essentially used in the manufacturing of toys. However, old and antique toys have lead paint or lead in their plastic. To counter this threat, practice buying toys from manufacturers with anti-lead policies.

Keys: Most homes, offices, and car keys contain high lead levels. Therefore, washing your hands immediately after reaching your destination is crucial to limit the risk of lead ingestion.

Jewelry In some areas, lead is also used in jewelry design. Thus, it is recommended to keep jewelry out of the reach of children.

Dishware: Dishware made of ceramic, china, and leaded crystal has high lead concentrations. When heated in such dishware, this creates a high probability of lead lurking in your food. Switching to dishware made of other materials is advisable to avoid this risk.

These are just some of the threats that could be a reason for spiked blood lead levels and potential health hazards in the future. Lead poisoning can cause several health issues. If you suspect any possible symptoms of fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, or any other physical ailments, consult with a medical professional immediately. 

Manhattan Lead is a professional lead inspection service in NYC that provides lead inspection for all residential and commercial properties. 

If you want your home or office to be lead-free, it’s best to call Manhattan Lead. You must dial (212) 226-1614 and contact our lead inspection team to complete the job.