Lead paint was once seen as a marvelous invention but has turned out to be a huge problem for many painters and homeowners. Lead paint has existed for years and has been causing health problems for just as long. Here is some more information about the dangers of lead paint and how we can protect our homes and loved ones from lead poisoning. 

Why Is Lead Paint Dangerous?

The first symptoms appearing in children who ate lead paint chips were the first reason to suspect the dangers of lead. In 1925-1927, more painters died in the U.S. than in any other profession. The efforts to ban lead began shortly after, but nothing concrete stuck until around 1971. Seven years later, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a final ban on the use of lead paint in all homes. 

Lead stays inside your body once inhaled or digested. It can deteriorate your bones and tissues. As you age your body can release the lead back into your bloodstream even if it hasn’t caused problems in years. 

Symptoms And Problems Of Lead Poisoning

Common symptoms of lead poisoning include: 

• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Trouble Sleeping
• Memory Loss
• No Appetite
• Always Feeling Tired
• Joint Pain
• Miscarriage, Stillbirth, Or Premature Birth

Some that are common in children are:

• Developmental Delay
• Irritability
• Weight Loss
• Hearing Loss
• Seizures

Once you have a significant amount of lead in your system, it can cause major health problems in adults. Some common ones are discussed below. 

Reproductive Problems- The biggest concern that comes from lead paint is its effects on the reproductive system. In males, it can decrease libido and semen quality. In females, it can change menstrual cycles, reduce fertility, and delay hormone production. This can lead to infertility or preterm birth. 

Anemia- Lead can stop the production of hemoglobin which gives red blood cells their color and helps blood move oxygen through the body. Lead can stop your body from getting enough iron and lead to anemia. 

Kidney Damage- Less common in recent years, kidney damage from lead is most common in those who are exposed to high amounts of lead on a job or for several years. Those with pre-existing kidney problems are at higher risk. Low levels of lead do not tend to lead to kidney damage.

Brain Effects- Lead poisoning takes a major toll on the brain and can damage the prefrontal cerebral cortex, and multiple parts that affect memory, information processing, and body movement. This damage can possibly cause Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or even schizophrenia. 

How Did It End Up In Paint?

Lead compounds were originally added to paint to create bright and vivid colors. These colors included white, yellow, and red to help enrich the pigment and help extend the paint coverage further. 

Lead paint was marked as durable and after that, it has been used widely in commercial buildings and residential buildings alike. 

Solutions

If you do find that lead paint is present in your home or business, the first response does not have to be a full repainting job. While getting rid of lead paint is a big project, there are other small ways to help combat the effects of lead paint. These include: 

• Fix peeling paint
• Keep kids away from open paint
• Avoid sanding lead paint in your home
• Eat a healthy diet
• Clean clothes and shoes, or remove them before coming inside

Paint Alternatives

Red oxide, zinc phosphate primers, activated zinc primers, and alkyd primers. Titanium dioxide has superior color properties over the lead. Lead was used in paint to shorten drying time, increase pigment, and help paint weathering. 

For indoor paints, lead is unnecessary because it does not need to withstand weather and UV light. There are more additives that are much safer than lead paint, including inorganic pigments to produce bright colors and are anti-corrosive. There are cost-effective alternatives that are making their way into household and commercial paints today. 

Avoid The Dangers Of Lead Paint, Trust Rosewood Painting

We strive to give our customers a safe and exceptional painting experience. Whether we are working inside or outside of your home, we want to keep you safe. Rosewood Painting works with non-lead-based paint to keep those in your home or business healthy. While lead was once known as the best way to increase pigment, times have changed and pigmented paint is available without the health risks. 
Our mission is to have customers who believe we are the best place to meet their painting needs. We also strive to give our employees the best place to work and make our communities better. If you are considering a painting project, contact Rosewood Painting today.

Whether you are completing a home remodel, an exterior paint update, or another painting project, you should be aware of if you should throw away paint or how to dispose of it. Not only will you need to clean up and take care of your new paint job, but what happens to the leftover paint? While many people may assume that you can just toss your leftover paint, that is not the case. Rosewood Painting wants you to dispose of or recycle your paint properly. Here are some tips and insights on what to do with your remaining paint. 

Can I Throw Paint Away?

Throwing away paint can make it hard for the garbage or waste disposal company to deal with, and it can also contaminate other materials. Often, disposing of hazardous paint by throwing it away, is illegal. When you are done using your paint, it is best to know what type of paint you are working with and what is the proper way to dispose of it. 

How To Dispose Of Paint

Some paints can be thrown away, but only after you have followed certain guidelines. Here are the steps you can take to dispose of these different types of paints. 

Oil-based

These paints contain chemicals that can contaminate soil and water easily. You should never throw away oil-based paint and in fact, should take it to a hazardous waste facility. Many cities often hold events each year to help dispose of hazardous waste. 

Some states also have take-back programs that can help take the pain off your hands or find a place to donate the leftovers. You can also help to store the leftover paint for a future project by sealing the lid and keeping the can in a cool and dry location that stays above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Latex-based

Latex paints are not considered hazardous and can be thrown away after following these guidelines. Discard the lid separately and allow the paint to dry out before you throw it in the trash. This keeps the paint from getting on your garbage can or other trash. 

Some ways to dry out the paint include pouring it into a box and then letting it dry. After it drys you can throw the box in your dumpster or trash bin. Using kitty litter mixed into the paint will also help it to dry quicker. Just because latex paint can be thrown away, doesn’t mean that it is the best option. Check with other options in your area to help those in need. 

Places To Donate

The best option for getting rid of paint is to donate it. There are multiple options when it comes to painting donations. 

If your paint is exterior paint or stain, you can donate the paint to a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for projects or recycling. Other non-profits like shelters, churches, or animal shelters may also accept donations. 

High school theater groups, Boys and Girls Clubs, and community groups may also accept paint for productions and projects. Check with local schools or groups to make sure that your paint will fit the requirements before dropping it off. 

Rosewood Painting

Painting your home can increase its value and update the look of your home. Painting is always a good investment and can offer appeal to the interior and exterior of your home. If you are considering a home painting project, work with Rosewood Painting!

We pride ourselves on giving our customers an exceptional painting experience. Plus, we take away the problem of storing or disposing of leftover paint. Working with our company takes the guesswork out of painting and the care of paint products. 

Check out our website to learn more about our team members and recent projects.