Lead paint was once incredibly common, and in many older buildings, there are still coatings of lead paint deep beneath the non-lead paint of recent decades. This means it’s often lurking in older homes and commercial buildings, but is lead paint dangerous to adults? This is a common question and the one we’re going to answer today so that you can be fully informed about the potential risks associated with lead paint.
What Is Lead Paint?
Before we dive into the details of whether or not lead paint is dangerous to adults, it’s important to understand what exactly lead paint is. Until the 1970s, lead was a common ingredient in many types of paint due to its resilience, durability, and resistance to moisture. However, over the years, research showed that there are many potential dangers, and eventually the use of lead paint in US homes was banned.
The Danger of Lead Paint to Adults
The big question here is “Is lead paint dangerous to adults?” In a nutshell, yes it is. Although children are more susceptible to the harmful effects due to their developing nervous systems, adults are by no means immune to the damaging effects of lead exposure.
Long-term exposure to lead can lead to severe health impacts on adults, including elevated blood pressure, concentration problems, issues with memory, and even kidney damage. Also of crucial importance is that pregnant women exposed to lead may experience complications like premature birth or developmental issues with the fetus.
How Dangerous Is Lead Paint to Adults?
To best understand “how dangerous is lead paint to adults?”, it’s essential to note that the risk isn’t in the paint itself but the dust or chips it produces when the paint degrades and deteriorates over time. This is especially significant in older homes, where wear and tear or renovations can disturb dormant lead-based paint, releasing toxic dust or chips.
Inhaling this dust, or accidentally swallowing the chips can lead to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can significantly affect adults’ nervous systems, cause muscle and joint pain, mood disorders, or in severe cases, impair the functions of entire organs.
Lead Paint Abatement
While the thought of potentially having lead paint in your home or business may be overwhelming, the good news is that there are professional lead abatement services that can safely and effectively handle the problem. At Home Biotesting, we specialize in lead paint abatement, helping ensure that you and your loved ones can enjoy a safe and healthy, lead-free environment.
Abatement isn’t a DIY job, and abatement professionals will use their extensive knowledge and experience, alongside specialized tools and procedures, to safely remove, seal, or encapsulate lead-based paint. Not only does this mitigate the risks of lead paint, but it also ensures there is minimal disruption and dust created, which eliminates the potential for accidental exposure.
Protect Yourself From Lead Paint With Home Biotesting
So as you can see if you’re asking “Is lead paint dangerous to adults”, the answer is a resounding yes. This is why it’s critical for adults, particularly those working or living in older buildings, to be made aware of the risks that are associated with lead-based paint. Understanding how dangerous lead paint is to adults can empower you to take action, and if you suspect that your home or business contains lead paint, don’t gamble with your health by trying to take the DIY route. Home Biotesting has the tools, expertise, and experience to professionally abate lead paint, giving you peace of mind and a safer space. Reach out today for more information, or to get started with an appointment.