Do you know if there is any lead in your home?

Lead

Lead is a toxic heavy metal with symbol Pb, which comes from its Latin name, plumbum. The name "plumber" comes from the fact that water pipes used to be made of lead (your water may still be contaminated). Lead has also been used for weights to sound the depth of water, lead shot for gun cartridges or for weighing fishing lines, and additive in petrol (gasoline), as strips to hold window glass in place, in paints, and in sheets for roofing. Some lead also comes from industrial air pollution.

Many countries have imposed bans on lead paint (for example for walls, etc. and on toys. It was banned in 1978 in the U.S.) and lead shot (so that animals shot for food, fish and swans, etc. are not contaminated, particularly if they might get into the food chain).

We now know that lead is very toxic. It can cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under (including those not yet born) are most vulnerable, as they grow so quickly. They also are more likely to lick walls or contaminated objects or to play on the floor where dust accumulates. They are most at risk from deteriorating lead-based paint (which should be removed with great care), and from household dust and soil which have been contaminated. Many countries perform some monitoring of lead levels in the blood of children.

If you think you may be exposed to lead, you should get your house and your family checked. It is important to have follow-up checks if lead is found in your or your child's blood.

African Refugee Kids Threatened by Lead

The children of refugees from Africa are proving particularly susceptible to the lead in the poor homes they are renting in the United States. Various theories for this are being considered. Which one do you think is most likely?

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EPA to Sample Dust From 150 NYC Buildings

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Do you know if there is any lead in your home?

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[Views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of CompuServe, the Forum or any government, agency or news organization. External Websites are "At Your Own Risk," and no endorsement is expressed or implied.]