Lead Poisoning in Older Homes

While there are major health concerns regarding lead poisoning in children, the focus may be too much on possible contamination in toys and not enough on old paint and pipes in older homes. In some communities where there are a number of old houses being remodeled, lead poisoning in these older homes has become an issue. Many small towns are becoming bedroom communities to urban dwellers who want to get away from the crush. They often buy old homes and either move in “as is” or restore them. In either case, lead contamination is probably not something they think much about. It’s been so long since lead was an ingredient in paint that people often forget that the old house is full of it. Children can be contaminated from old paint chips that may be in the yard, around the house, or from the walls of the house itself. If a child’s parent is involved in old home restoration, it is possible to get lead chips from the parent’s clothing. Another reality is that old pipes contain lead. If the pipes in the house have not been updated, there should be some health concerns, too. In order to protect the health of everyone living in the home, it is wise to replace all old pipes. Use extra precaution when replacing them, and if you repaint, keep children away from the activity. Encourage them to play away from the house. Also get children tested for lead contamination regularly to ensure their health and safety.