LEAD - WHAT IS IT

Lead has been mined, smelted, and compounded for thousands of years. Lead is a neurotoxin metallic element that was historically used in paints, gasoline and plumbing materials for many years. Lead was easy to work with for a variety of purposes, which is why mining and smelting of lead has caused millions of tons to be spread into our environment. Lead poisoning occurs only when too much lead accumulates in the body.

Generally, lead poisoning occurs slowly, resulting from the gradual accumulation of lead in bone and tissue after repeated exposure. However, it is important to note that young children absorb 50% of a lead ingestion while adults absorb only 10%. Pregnant women should be especially cautious of lead exposure. The presence of lead dust can cause difficulties during pregnancy. Lead enters the bloodstream and can pass the placental barrier from the mother to the unborn child. The fetus can then be poisoned before birth.

Lead is very dangerous for children under the age of six because it is absorbed more readily into their blood and stored more easily in their bones and internal organs. Lead can be absorbed by the body, primarily through the lungs and stomach. If a child is overexposed to lead it can cause disastrous consequences including the possibility of irreversible brain and nervous system damage. Lead poisoned infants, children, and fetuses can suffer from permanent learning disabilities, behavioral problems, hearing problems, developmental delays, reduced hand-eye coordination and other serious health conditions. Even children who appear healthy can have lead poisoning. If you think your child or other family members may be at risk, contact your physician or local health department for testing, immediately.

WHERE CAN LEAD BE FOUND?

HOUSE PAINTS - Most houses built prior to World War II had lead-based paints applied to the interior or exterior surfaces of the home. It was used until 1978, when it was banned by the EPA. Some of these lead paints still remain inside older homes today and may be particularly hazardous if this paint is in poor condition (chipped or peeling) or if disturbed by sanding or abrasion (creating toxic lead dust).

Lead was used in paints because it lasted forever in the environment and it never broke down into a harmless substance. The amount of lead in paint was reduced in 1950 and further reduced again in 1978. Houses built before 1950 are very likely to contain lead paint while houses built after 1950 will have less lead in the paint. Some house paints sold today have very low levels of lead and are considered environmentally SAFE.

Lead paint that needs immediate attention

Lead dust is released from chipping and peeling paint; home renovation projects that disturb lead paint; and lead paint ground up by friction, such as on window sashes, floors, thresholds, stairs, etc. Because young children naturally engage in hand-to-mouth activities on a daily basis, they are more likely to accidentally ingest loose or blistering lead paint. Over many years, surfaces in your home that are painted with lead paint usually crumble into household dust that can not be seen visually. This lead dust clings to toys, fingers and other objects that children normally put into their mouths. This is the most common way toxic lead can accumulate into your child's blood system.

Children also get dangerous lead levels into their bodies by chewing on lead painted surfaces such as window sills. Some young children will even eat paint chips that are peeling or chipping. The taste is what makes them come back for more. Believe it or not, Lead paint taste sweet, so children and pets are attracted to the taste of lead paint. In accordance with Massachusetts law, any unit or single family home with an occupant who is less than six years old must be deleaded by an EPA Lead-Safe Certified professional.

TESTING FOR LEAD PAINT

To determine the presence of lead in paint, dust, water, and soil is best done by trained professionals.

Professional testing companies use three basic methods to measure lead in paint:

1) X-ray fluorescence (XRF) uses portable detectors that X-ray a painted surface to measure the amount of lead in all the layers of paint. This type of testing is performed in the home and disturbs little, if any, paint and is highly recommended.

2) On-site chemical testing of paint samples involves removing samples of paint from surfaces to be tested, usually from an area of about two square inches. These samples are then chemically tested for analysis. This method leaves an ugly bare spot on each surface tested and is not recommended by Massachusetts Home Inspections. The Federal government does not recognize this type of lead paint testing for anything more than a screening tool and does not allow chemical spot tests to be utilized in any federal housing inspections. Professional X-ray testing for lead in paint (See #1) is my only recommended testing method.

3) Spot checks are performed with small swabs. A deep cut is made on suspect lead surfaces then a swab is wiped over this surface. Lead paint will turn this swab (and area being tested) into a pinkish color. Swabs do not tell you how much lead is present and their reliability at detecting low levels of lead has not been determined. Professional X-ray testing for lead in paint (See #1) is my only recommended testing method.

If you are seeking a professional lead inspection in order to obtain a Certified Certificate stating that a specific home is free of Lead paint, I do not issue lead Certificates. You must contact a Lead Abatement company from your area. Before you hire any lead paint contractors or lead paint testing firms, please make absolutely sure that your hired contractor is Lead-Safe Certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Simply click the LEAD-SAFE CERTIFIED logo below, to locate an EPA Certified Lead Paint firm near you...

Lead Pipes

LEAD CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN DRINKING WATER

DRINKING WATER - is another potential source of lead. This is usually from lead in solder, fixtures and lead water supply piping in the home. Some supply water pipes in homes built before the 1930's were made of lead, especially the main water supply pipe that penetrates the foundation of the home. In both old and new homes, lead solder was also used in copper piping. Both of these can be a source of lead in your drinking water. I will be visually inspecting all accessible water supply piping within your building and any lead piping that is found (especially at the foundation penetration), will absolutely be noted and highlighted in the PLUMBING section of your inspection report.

A variety of lead pipes

Please do not confuse galvanized water supply piping for lead supply piping. Lead piping will have the distinctive ball connection at the connection to the water meter.