The Dangers Of Lead Paint

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.