Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes, such as in old paint and plumbing fixtures. Areas like Aspen’s Smuggler Superfund Site have lead in the soil left from mining activity.
Health Effects of Lead (Children six years old and under are most at risk.):
- Behavioral Problems
- Learning Disabilities
- Seizures
- Death
The most common way you can get lead in your body is by swallowing lead dust or paint chips containing lead. Be aware that eating foods grown in lead containing soil can also be a source of exposure. If you would like to test a material like paint, toys, or ceramics used for serving food, inexpensive lead test kits are available at local hardware stores.
Lead and Home Improvement
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Consider hiring a licensed contractor certified in lead abatement to do the work for you, or make sure to follow these three simple procedures:
- Contain the work area
- Minimize dust
- Clean up thoroughly
For more information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead site.
Sources of Lead
• Old paint/varnishes
• Cultural medicines
Greta, azarcon, and paylooah
• Cosmetics
Surma and kohl
• Plastic mini blinds
• Pool cue chalk
• Crayons (made in China)
• Solder (electrical)
• Solder (plumbing)
• Lead pipes
• Food stored in cans with lead solder
• Food grown in soils high in lead
• Plastic coatings on electrical wire
• Keys (brass)
• Plumbing fixtures (brass)
• Lead shot/bullets, gun cleaning
• Fishing sinkers
• Batteries
• Candles (metal wicks)
• Soil
• House dust
• Painted kitchen utensils
• Old toys (lead paint)
• Antique dolls
• Burning lead-painted wood
• Curtain weights
• Bathtub glazes
• Leaded crystal glassware
• Imported ceramic/pottery dishes (glaze)
• Colored inks (comics)
• Colored foil seals on wine bottles
• Candy wrappers (ink)
• Tamarindo jam pots (glaze)
• Foreign orphanages
• Jewelry (ceramic and/or metal)
• Hobbies (stained glass, ceramics, artist paints)
• Baby powders (containing zinc oxide)