Lead and lead poisoning are serious dangers, with symptoms ranging from developmental issues to death. There is no such thing as a safe level of lead in an environment, and yet, lead is prevalent in many homes, whether the owners know it or not. Lead exposure is often impossible to reverse, so being on the offensive and finding lead before it takes its toll is the best way to combat it. Here are seven places your home could be harboring dangerous lead:
1. In the dust – It sounds like a bad horror film premise, but it’s true. Lead from lead-based paint could be in the dust of your home. Mopping and dusting as regularly as possible is the best way to prevent these lead particles from poisoning the people living in your home.
2. Paint – Lead paint may not have been used for decades in your home, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a danger. Peeling, blistering, or cracking paint could be exposing the inhabitants of your home to lead. The best way to prevent this kind of exposure is to work with a painter who is experienced with lead remediation.
3. In toys and costume jewelry – Especially in old toys and costume jewelry, lead paint might have been used as coloring. Replace these items with newer ones, produced in the USA.
4. Astroturf – Yes, your Astroturf may be harboring lead, especially if the turf is very old. The best way to avoid this? Have the turf removed and replaced by real grass.
5. Mexican candy – Recent studies have found that some candies imported from Mexico have high levels of lead. Where is the lead coming from? From the ingredients used to make the candy, specifically when they are dried and ground. Avoiding this type of candy can prevent exposure.
6. Water – Water that is piped through old plumbing has likely been exposed to lead solder. It is even possible that the water sources themselves have been contaminated. Using a filter on your tap that removes lead (and other contaminants) from the water is the best course of action.
7. Ceramics and Pyrex – Lead was often used in glazes for ceramics and in the production of Pyrex. Especially if either of these items are more than twenty years old, it is likely they were made with lead.