The TRUTH about Lead Paint Poisoning

Lead paint is an invisible danger. Here are some facts about lead paint poisoning that everyone should know:

• A million kids are affected by lead paint poisoning with some level of irreversible damage, such as lower intelligence, learning disabilities and behavioral issues.

• New cases of childhood lead paint poisoning are diagnosed every year. Many more could go unreported.

• Recent research shows that new cases can be directly linked to renovations where the work environment was inadequately contained.

• Adults exposed to lead paint can suffer from high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, diminished motor skills, fatigue and memory loss. Even small levels of exposure to lead paint can harm adults.

• It’s not just lead paint chips that poison. Contamination can be caused by only a little bit of lead dust that is easily absorbed by anyone who inhales or ingests it.

• Once poisoned, it’s for life and can never be reversed.

Research has shown that the most common way to get lead in the body is from inhaling or ingesting microscopic dust.  Common renovation activities, like sanding, cutting and demolition, can create hazardous lead dust and chips.  Even for small jobs, the key is to use lead-safe work practices such as containing dust inside the work area, using dust minimizing work methods and conducting a careful cleanup.  Most important, it means making sure that anyone who does work in your building is Lead-Safe Certified.

To become certified, individuals must attend a full-day Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule Course. This fall the Association is offering both the Initial 8 Hour training and the Refresher 4 Hour Training for previously certified technicians.

8 hour training registration: https://aafw.org/association/education/epa-renovation-repair-painting-training-initial-certification

4 hour refresher: https://aafw.org/association/education/epa-renovation-repair-painting-training-refresher-course

For more information, there is a wealth of downloadable support information on the EPA website, www.epa.gov/getleadsafe.