Lead paint is infamous for being poisonous and is one of the most well-known building materials that can kill you, another being asbestos. Discovered well over 2000 years ago, it has been used by artists as well as for building work for the rich appearance as well as the fact that it accelerated drying and resisted moisture. The dangers of lead paint were well established by the beginning of the 20th century and The League of Nations began efforts to ban lead-based paint in 1921. It was banned in western countries by the 1970s, but some countries have done so much later – with India banning it in 2016. Therefore, homes constructed before the legislation came into effect may still have been painted with lead-based paint and therefore poses a risk to their residents, especially children.
Lead paint causes lead poisoning when the paint flakes or dust enters our bodies. Lead poisoning can result in nervous system damage, stunted growth, kidney issues, and delayed development. Children are particularly vulnerable as the paint flakes taste sweet which can compel them to eat it. A lead paint inspection or risk assessment should be taken to determine whether your home has lead paint, which can be carried out by some painting service providers such as commercial painting Brisbane, although inspectors are required to be certified.
If your child has been exposed to lead-based paint, contact their healthcare provider. Most children who are exposed do not know symptoms, and the best way to check is through a blood test. As the level of lead in the blood increases, so will the adverse effects. Your healthcare provider will be able to advice on the next steps if exposure is detected.
Misconceptions about Lead-based paint
The most important misconception is that it is not used anymore. Unfortunately, it might still be allowed in industrial applications or in different capacities depending on the legislation. It may also be present in imported products. Industrial application of lead paint is still dangerous as people can still be exposed through vehicles, tools, bridges etc. which are coated with industrial lead paint. Therefore, even if they are banned for residential use, unless they are also banned in industrial use, exposure is still likely.
It is also widely believed that lead paint (and lead poisoning) only poses a threat to children. This is untrue. Children are more severely affected but adults can develop kidney issues and fertility problems in addition to the nervous system damage. In high doses it is lethal for both children and adults.
Lead paint is harmful even if it does not deteriorate as it can contaminate soil and water, despite most of the danger coming from lead flakes, and the dust from lead paint may be present even if the coat itself looks pristine. Additionally, most incidents of exposure occur due to lead dust although more severe cases occur due to ingestion of lead paint flakes.
Lead based paints have been increasingly replaced with substitutes such as Titanium and Zinc which are much less toxic and achieve similar visual and physical properties.
