Lead is a naturally occurring element that is present in the soil, the water, and the air. Manufacturers have used lead and lead-based compounds to produce many items in our daily lives. Irrespective of the fact that it is present naturally in our surroundings, using products that contain high concentrations of lead is extremely hazardous for any individual, especially for infants, children, and pregnant women. The use of lead and lead-based compounds have been a common practice in the production of many household items. These compounds are specifically used in manufacturing ceramics, toiletries, toys, cosmetics, paint, and some edible items.
The prime reason for using this element in consumer products is due to multiple benefits such as durability, weight-to-volume ratio, electrical properties, radiation shielding, and pigmentation sustenance property. However, it possesses severe health hazards compared to the benefits it might provide.
A proper lead inspection is a vital preventive measure to safeguard against the perils of lead poisoning. This rigorous lead inspection process assesses the lead levels in residential and commercial properties and the items you regularly use. By undergoing a lead inspection, you can ensure the safety of your surroundings and protect yourself from the potential harm of hazardous lead levels.
To evaluate the lead level in your home, contact Manhattan Lead today. The path to lead-free living begins here. Take action and book your inspection within minutes.
Are you exposed to lead poisoning risk?
If this is the query in your mind, unfortunately, there is no definite answer. The government has taken multiple initiatives to ensure protection against lead poisoning over the years. The first initiative was taken back in 1978 by the U.S. consumer product safety commission, which banned the use of lead in paints. Followed by numerous other preventive initiatives by CPCS, EPA, and FDA that ruled out the use of lead in other similar products. Nonetheless, the efforts to attain zero lead poisoning are still in progress.
Despite all preventive measures, old products with high proportions of lead are still in the market in the form of thrift items or concrete items that have never been updated after the regulations passed. Among these products, the highest probability of an average American being exposed to lead poisoning is in their home. According to the Department of Health, 1.2 million homes in New York City have lead-based paint. Undoubtedly, it delivered good results regarding longevity, but it possessed far adverse risks compared to the benefits. Therefore, the high lead concentration in the paint becomes the prime reason for an unsafe environment for your family.
How can we help you make your home safe?
A secure home is a basic right of every American. Therefore, to protect your residential and commercial properties from lead poisoning, Manhattan Lead assists Americans in inspecting, identifying, managing, and treating lead-related hazards. We aim to protect NYC and its surroundings from lead poisoning and lead-based paint hazards. We hold significant experience in the field and are also EPA certified, making us the best in the market for the job. Our lead inspection team follows professional protocols to assess lead concentration in your home. Upon completing a thorough inspection, we provide all clients with a full report of customized recommendations that best suit their interests and needs.
How to detect the presence of lead?
There are three widely used lead-in paint detection methods in the market, and only 2 of them are approved and recommended by the EPA – XRF Testing and Paint Chip Sampling.
XRF Testing
XRF, short for X-ray fluorescence, is a method that utilizes magnified X-rays to overwhelm the surface. The detectors then record the secondary X-ray that emits from the surfaces. This method is mostly favorable due to its reliability and accuracy.
Paint chip sampling
The paint chip sampling method requires the inspector to scrap a 4-square-inch sample size, which is later sent to a lab for testing. In the past, the method was standard practice for lead detection. Once a sample is sent to the lab, Atomic absorption spectrophotometry or inductively coupled plasma is used to obtain results. This practice takes 4-7 days and requires more samples for larger spaces.
Lead test Kits
DIY lead kits use chemicals that change color when reacted with lead. Either these kits have strips that have sodium sulfide or sodium rhodizonate applied on the tip of the strip or a swab that alters color once rubbed against the product to inspect. This is not an official method used by EPA inspectors to properly conduct lead-based paint testing and inspections..
How are lead-affected areas treated?
Lead inspectors use a set of professionally curated solutions to treat lead-affected areas. Some of the techniques are as follows.
Wet method
This method is usually used to minimize the spread of lead dust. The technique uses wetting the surface with water on any wetting agent to prevent the dust from becoming airborne.
Removal or encapsulation
While in some cases, the lead-exposed area is treated with an agent, sometimes the most appropriate response is to scrape or sand the surface, or in some cases, it might be encapsulated with a sealant.
HEPA vacuuming and cleaning
Once the surface is either removed or encapsulated, High-efficiency particulate air vacuums do a thorough cleaning to remove remaining dust particles. These surfaces are then thoroughly cleaned using appropriate cleaning agents or wet methods.
Clearance testing
Once the area is thoroughly cleaned, a team of professionals re-inspect it for a final evaluation to ensure the space is free from hazardous lead levels. This lead inspection process includes collecting soil and dust samples from different areas and sending them to the laboratory for final review.
Simple techniques you can follow at home to prevent lead-poisoning
Identify potential lead sources: identifying the cause of lead in your living space is crucial to maintain and to prevent the dangers of lead poisoning. If your house were built before the 1970s, it would likely contain lead-based paint. Thus it is recommended to get it inspected by professionals
Maintain cleanliness: Prevention is better than a cure. That being said, like all other health-related issues, lead poisoning can be prevented through protective measures. One of which is to keep your living space clean. While cleaning, it is advised to use a wet clothing method or damped sponges for cleaning dusty areas to avoid dust dispersion.
Practice good hygiene: encourage children and adults to wash their hands before meals and after outdoor activities. Avoid touching the areas around your mouth to prevent lead ingestion from contaminated spaces.
Create barriers and contaminants: if lead-based products or paint are present in your home, create contaminants to prevent health risks. Consider concealing or painting those areas with non-lead-based paint to prevent lead dispersion.
If you suspect lead exposure or have specific concerns, please immediately contact healthcare for timely support and guidance. Also, contact a certified lead inspection firm to test your area to prevent further risk.
Read More: Lead, Personality, and Mental Health: What is Happening to You?
Why Choose Manhattan Lead Services?
Conclusively, lead in your home can create serious health risks for children and vulnerable individuals. Therefore, Manhattan Lead utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to provide accurate results for the lead levels in your living spaces. Our commitment to industry protocols is evident through our EPA certification and licensed, bonded, and insured lead inspectors and lead risk assessors.
Safeguarding our customers from hazardous levels of lead is our utmost priority. Therefore we strive to make our services convenient and affordable. That’s why our customer service agents are available 24/7 to address any emergency lead inspection or treatment needs.
For further inquiries, please visit our website or give us a call. We are here to provide you with the satisfaction you deserve regarding the safety of your home and loved ones.
