Lead in the home has been linked to many serious illnesses. It can be present in various materials and items in the home. It is essential to know which ones they are and how to protect our health. Lead is a natural element found on the earth’s surface and it could be present naturally in the air and the water.
How does exposure to lead affect our health?
1. Neurological impacts Lead is linked to a variety of neurological disorders, including brain and nerve damage, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
2. Bone issues Lead accumulates in the bones and is associated with osteoporosis.
3. Illnesses in children Lead can stunt skeletal development and cause behavioral problems in children.
4. Cardiovascular issues Lead could cause cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease and hypertension.
5. Fertility issues Lead can affect both the female and male reproductive systems, leading to difficulties conceiving, increased risk of miscarriages and reduced testosterone production.
What we can conclude is... in short, lead is a highly toxic element and should be avoided whenever possible!
Described below are potential areas where lead can be present in the home and guidance on managing them.
1. Lead paint If the home is older than 1978 it likely has lead paint. Both interior and exterior paint may contain lead. High contact areas include doors, window sills and railings. Simple test kits are available for purchase to determine the presence of lead paint.
How to manage it? Scraping surfaces with abrasive sponges or brushes and chemical cleaner will release lead dust in the air and it should be avoided If there is any chipping, it is best to contact a certified professional to strip or contain the paint safely.2. Pipes, faucets, plumbing fixtures Lead pipes and fixtures were used in the water supply until they were banned by Congress in 1986.
How to manage it? When possible, replacing the lead pipes and fixtures. Water filtration system can be added, or at the minimum a countertop filter used to remove lead particles from the drinking water.3. Lead dust Lead dust is present in the environment and may be in higher concentration in the air, especially if living close to a motorway. Unknowingly, lead dust could be brought indoors.
How to manage it? Shoes should be taken off at the entrance, and worn inside the home. Additional steps to reduce the dust in the home are to run an air purifier with a HEPA filter and regularly replace the filters of the HVAC system.4. Others Other home items potentially containing lead are old cookware and jewelry and makeup.
How to manage it? Since these items get in direct contact with our food and skin, caution in advised. The labels and pamphlets should be carefully reviewed. If lead is present, it is best advised to discard of the item. Proper recycling for lead containing products is important.Overall, to minimize lead in the home, all surfaces should be wet wiped and floors wet mopped frequently. Carpets and furniture should be vacuumed using a cleaner with a HEPA filter.
The main takeaway is that lead is extremely toxic and can be the cause for several serious health conditions. Lead may be found in various areas in the home. Understanding where it can be located enables us to manage it effectively and avoid introducing it in the home!
Learn more about “How does Aluminum in the Home impact our Fertility and Pregnancy?” in this guide: https://www.holistichomesarchitecture.com/guide-how-aluminum-impacts-fertility-and-pregnancy.html
Drop me a line to explore the materials in your home! Ana Ana Koleva Miller, RA, NCARB, Fitwel Amb.