I have a lot of libraries in my System in buildings that were built before 1978 – in fact I have one two hundred years older than that! Why do I mention 1978? The United States government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead paint in 1977 (16 Code of Federal Regulations CFR 1303).[1]
A lot of times when I’m consulting in an older building about renovating a space or expanding it we’ll skim over this issue. Kind of an “oh yeah, and I bet that’s lead paint too [insert eye roll here]” but really, this could be a serious contaminant in the building that deserves some special attention, particularly if it is flaking off or in the dust.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- People can get lead in their body if they:
- Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths.
- Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead.
- Breathe in lead dust, especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces.
- Lead is more dangerous to children because:
- Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.
- Children’s growing bodies absorb more lead.
- Children’s brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
- If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
- Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
- Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
- High blood pressure and hypertension
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
As GI Joe said, “knowing is half the battle,” here’s some help with the other half:
- How to Tell if Your Home Contains Lead Paint [HubPages]
- Temporary lead-removal measures [Colorado State University]
- State rules relating to lead/construction issues [ENVCAP]
- “Renovate Right” Pamphlet [EPA]
- Lead-Safe Certified Firms for Renovation [EPA]
Bonus resource/worry: