Do you think you may have a lead problem in your house? To find out what to do, Contact the local Department of Health by calling 368-0429.
Janine was vaguely aware of the danger of lead, but it never occurred to her that she
needed to be concerned about it. Then, a plumber discovered a large section of the
water pipe in Janine’s 70-year-old house was made of lead. The plumber recommended
she replace it immediately.
Janine was suspicious at first. Was ripping out a perfectly functional section of
pipe really necessary? Or was the plumber trying to drum up additional work for himself?
But after doing a little checking, she quickly concluded that the potential risks of
lead exposure – no matter how small – outweigh the costs of the job.
Lead is a powerful poison linked to a range of health problems. Lead poisoning can
affect anyone, but children’s developing nervous systems are especially vulnerable.
Problems paying attention, hyperactivity, and irritability can result from children
being exposed to even small amounts of lead. Learning problems, delayed growth, and
hearing loss have been linked to higher levels of exposure. Permanent brain damage
and death may result from children being exposed to very high levels.
Like Janine, you should make sure your home is lead-free.
The main sources of lead in the home are usually lead-based paint and lead pipes that
carry water. In the United States, the risk of lead exposure is greater in homes built
before 1950.
Lead-based paints are harmful to children who chew on painted toys and furnishings
and eat paint peelings from the walls.
Some water faucets contain brass, which is a copper and lead alloy. Hot water may cause
lead to be extracted from brass, so don’t drink it. You should replace brass faucets
with stainless steel. If that is not possible, run cold water through brass faucets
for at least 10 seconds before drinking it or cooking with it.
Other possible sources of lead exposure include some glass and ceramics. To be safe,
do not feed babies from lead crystal bottles. And don’t store acidic foods, such
as fruit juices, in ceramic containers. If you are pregnant, avoid drinking from
ceramic mugs.
Most children with lead poisoning do not show any symptoms. If you think your child
might have been exposed to lead, have a doctor check your child’s lead level.
Medications can help reduce it.
This column is written by Robert B. McCall, Co-Director of the
Office of Child Development and Professor of Psychology, and is provided as a
public service by the Frank and Theresa Caplan Fund for Early Childhood Development
and Parenting Education.