Lead poisoning is a very serious threat and can have dire medical consequences. Because of this, most people take care to remove items that can contain lead from their homes, like lead-based paint. Unfortunately, lead is still finding its way inside of homes and many times, in surprising ways. By learning about the unique ways lead can get inside of the home and in the neighborhood, you too can take the necessary action to protect your family. Here are four common sources of lead poisoning which may surprise you:
Lead in the Walls
One way that you or your family can be subject to lead poisoning is through home improvements. This isn’t something that people think about in most cases. Most of the time they are so focused on removing the lead from obvious places, such as the lead in lead paint and pipes, that they neglect to remember that lead could be in the very structure of their home, as well. This is especially true in homes or buildings built in the 1970s or earlier. If you have an older home, you should always assume there is lead in the walls until you have conducted a test with negative results.
Lead in the Playground
You might think it’s safe to allow your children to play on the playground, but did you know that they could be subject to lead poisoning? Even if the equipment itself is not made of lead, the soil underneath could have lead in it. Many times, playgrounds are built where older structures stood. If those structures had lead in them, it could still be in the soil.
Lead in Children’s Toys
Everyone gives their children toys, and most toys are now made overseas. The problem? Other countries, where these toys are produced, don’t have the same regulations when it comes to lead that the US does and because of that, it is certainly possible that lead could be part of these toys. This is also often the case with older toys. Try to keep your children from playing with toys that are cheap looking or old and encourage them to keep all toys out of their mouth, as this is the easiest way to absorb lead.
Lead in the Water
Finally, you might be surprised to find that lead poisoning can occur from drinking lead tainted water that might be coming right out of your own faucets. Pipes in both new and older houses can contain lead. Though new homes are not fitted with lead pipes like older homes were, the way modern copper pipes are soldered together could expose your drinking water to lead. A Toronto plumber, representing Mister Plumber, reports that an estimated 10% – 20% of all lead poisoning today is from drinking tainted water. If your home or pipes are outdated, you may want to consider having them tested for lead.
If you suspect that your home or environment may contain lead, take steps today to test for lead and keep your family safe. Lead poisoning should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to serious health complications and sometimes death.
