Lead

Lead Paint was used on the interior and exterior of homes built prior to 1978. Exposures to lead are of greatest concern to children 6 years and under.

lead_poisoning.jpg

Remodel Right! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a Lead Safe Certification Program for anyone remodeling homes built prior to 1978. Pamphlets for homeowners, parents, and landords are available from the EPA. The Evanston Health Depatment responds to reports of children with high levels of lead in their blood by investigating the source and ordering mitigation. If you have children under the age of 6 and are concerned about lead in your home, the Health Department offers free evaluations. Call to schedule a Lead Paint assessment at 847/859.7831. 

Effects on the Body

Lead is a poisonous metal that our bodies cannot use. Lead poisoning can cause learning, hearing, and behavioral problems, and can harm your child's brain, kidneys, and other organs. Lead in the body stops good vitamins such as iron and calcium from working right. Some of these effects can be permanent.

Lead Awareness and your child

Children with Lead poisoning usually do not look or act sick. The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is by getting a blood test. Ask your doctor or health care provider to test your child under six years of age at least once a year. Diet can prevent lead uptake in children learn more here..

Where is Lead Found?

Lead based paint is a hazard if it is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking. Even lead based paint that appears to be undisturbed can be a problem if it is on surfaces that children chew or that get a lot of wear and tear. If your home was built before 1978 it is likely there is some lead based paint

Contaminated Dust forms when lead paint is dry scraped or sanded. Dust can also become contaminated when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can gather on surfaces and objects that people touch or that children put into their mouths.

Contaminated Soil occurs when exterior lead based paint from houses, buildings, or other structures flakes or peels and gets into the soil. Soil near roadways may also be contaminated from past use of leaded gasoline in cars. Avoid these areas when planting vegetable gardens.

Other sources of lead include:

  • Lead based painted toys and household furniture
  • Imported lead glazed pottery and leaded crystal
  • Lead smelters
  • Hobbies (stained glass)
  • Folk remedies like azarcon and pay-loo-ah
  • Cosmetics