Angie’s List Report: Lead Poisoning
(WDEF) Lead paint lurks in forty percent of the nation’s homes – about 36 million homes across the U.S.
Cheryl Turcotte is a former EPA Supervisor. She said, "Any amount, even the tiniest, tiniest bit on the tip of our finger will have an impact on a child."
Kids under the age of six are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect physical and mental development.
Dollis Wright works as an Environmental Health Risk Expert. Wright said, "Especially if you live in a home that’s built before 1978 you probably have older windows so every time you open those windows and close them, you might not see it, but it’s happening inside those little crevices of the window."
Dangerous amounts of lead dust can also be created when lead-based paint is disturbed during renovation, repair or painting jobs.That’s why federal law requires any contractor who disturbs lead paint to be EPA certified and follow strict work practices to prevent contamination.
Angie Hicks of Angie’s List said, "For example they should be using HEPA filters. They should be using plastic sheeting to completely seal off the area. They should also wear protective foot covers, protective clothing. If you see any signs that make you uncomfortable, you should stop the work immediately."
Angie’s List recently called 150 renovation contractors and questioned them about lead-safe practices. Nearly 11 percent offered bad advice and nearly 32 percent admitted they did not have the required EPA lead-safety certification.
Hicks added, "Angie’s List has been a champion of safe lead practices for many, many years and continues to work to raise awareness about lead paint poisoning. Also we’re denoting on company records, if they’re working on houses before 1978, if they don’t have proper certification."
Wright added, "There’s no cure for it and so, once you’re poisoned it’s for life."
Only a blood test can confirm lead poisoning.
Cheryl Turcotte is a former EPA Supervisor. She said, "Any amount, even the tiniest, tiniest bit on the tip of our finger will have an impact on a child."
Kids under the age of six are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect physical and mental development.
Dollis Wright works as an Environmental Health Risk Expert. Wright said, "Especially if you live in a home that’s built before 1978 you probably have older windows so every time you open those windows and close them, you might not see it, but it’s happening inside those little crevices of the window."
Dangerous amounts of lead dust can also be created when lead-based paint is disturbed during renovation, repair or painting jobs.That’s why federal law requires any contractor who disturbs lead paint to be EPA certified and follow strict work practices to prevent contamination.
Angie Hicks of Angie’s List said, "For example they should be using HEPA filters. They should be using plastic sheeting to completely seal off the area. They should also wear protective foot covers, protective clothing. If you see any signs that make you uncomfortable, you should stop the work immediately."
Angie’s List recently called 150 renovation contractors and questioned them about lead-safe practices. Nearly 11 percent offered bad advice and nearly 32 percent admitted they did not have the required EPA lead-safety certification.
Hicks added, "Angie’s List has been a champion of safe lead practices for many, many years and continues to work to raise awareness about lead paint poisoning. Also we’re denoting on company records, if they’re working on houses before 1978, if they don’t have proper certification."
Wright added, "There’s no cure for it and so, once you’re poisoned it’s for life."
Only a blood test can confirm lead poisoning.
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