In the News - Lead Dangers Still Lurk In Unexpected Places

When I was a kid in the late 70's, lead paint was in the news. Why? Well, due in great part to studies carried out by Philip J. Landrigan, paint containing more than 0.06% (600 ppm) lead was banned for residential use in the United States in 1978 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 Code of Federal Regulations CFR 1303). The U.S. Government defines "lead-based paint" as any "paint, surface coating that contains lead equal to or exceeding one milligram per square centimeter(1.0 mg/cm2) or 0.5% by weight." Some states have adopted this or similar definitions of "lead-based paint." These definitions are used to enforce regulations that apply to certain activities conducted in housing constructed prior to 1978, such as abatement, or the permanent elimination of a "lead-based paint hazard."

After such a tremendous effort was undertaken to get rid of the potential exposure to lead I was kind of put aback by an article I saw this morning: Lead Dangers Still Lurk In Unexpected Places. And when I read the first sentence of the article, "Lead exposure may sound like an old-fashioned health threat, like polio or scurvy.", I really felt old...

But then I remembered that I like the word "vintage" better. I mean you just wait 20 years and then what was in fashion then is "back" right?

Anyway, the article has seven hidden risks for lead exposure so I thought I'd highlight them for you! These are the high points, take a look at the article linked above for more information.

1. Brass Faucets - In 1986 a law was passed that largely banned the use of lead in plumbing materials. If your house was built before then, you should have your water tested.
2. Weak Bones - Any lead you consume is stored in your bones. But as new bone replaces old bone that stored lead seeps into the blood. You can protect yourself by maintaining your bone mass. This involves consuming Calcium and Vitamin D. However you want to make sure to pick calcium that isn't made from things like bone, shellfish, or dolomite since it may have lead in it.
3. Renovations - If your home was built before 1978 and you are renovating, it's pretty safe to assume that you will have to deal with lead paint. Make sure the work area is sealed off and have builders exit through a side door, if possible. Get the area inspected by a certified lead tester and if you find lead, hire a professional service for the removal.
4. Ceramic Dishes - If you have plates that were manufactured in the 1960's or earlier, you may not want to eat off of them. You can test your dishes with a lead test kit. If they show no lead you are clear to eat off them!
5. City Gardens - Believe it or not paint chips from old homes could be in the soil in YOUR garden if you live in the city! Just make sure you wear gloves when gardening and keep shoes outside. And if you are growing vegetables, wash them off before eating them.
6. Hunting or Fishing - Bullets often have lead in them and lures and sinkers have metal dust on them. When hunting, clean and leave gear outside and when fishing wear gloves.
7. Art Supplies - Some oil and acrylic paints use lead to give the colors brightness and luster. Some clays also contain heavy metals. Just make sure to check labels and keep the areas ventilated.

It just seems like these days there is nothing, including the air that we breathe, that is "safe". Or, am I the only one who thinks that way? Maybe so...