What is Primary Source of Lead Poisoning?
Most people unwittingly ingest microscopic particles of lead in ordinary household dust. Toxic lead paint was not banned in the US until 1978, and this older paint is now degrading and turning to microscopic household dust. These tiny lead paint dust particles are especially concentrated around windows. Even when windows are not regularly opened, this dust migrates through the spaces around a window and accumulates where children put their hands. Without ever knowing it, normal hand-to-mouth activity results in children ingesting the miniscule amounts of lead that are enough to prevent proper brain development in children under 12. As you can see on the map of Louisville, KY, a typical midwestern US city when it comes to lead paint prevalence, a majority of homes were built before lead paint was banned. Many neighborhoods with home construction dating from the 1950's and 60's back to the late 19th Century, more than 85% are estimated to contain lead paint.
What Lead Level is Dangerous?
Children exposed to lead suffer from lower IQ, increased ADHD and aggressive behavior disorders, and other chronic medical problems. With recent research showing much greater brain damage occurring from much lower exposure, the CDC has recently issued new guidance that stresses that there is "no safe level" of lead in the body. Blood lead levels show recent exposure and are measured in millionths of a gram (per 1/10 of a liter of blood), and levels as low as 1 and 2 have been shown by researchers to result in measurable damage. Ask your pediatrician what the exact lead blood level of your child is (and how accurate the test is, some equipment is only accurate to +/- 3 points, which is insufficient when you are trying to lower a level from 4 to 1 or less).
What Can I Do?
While it is a leading health risk, it is also one of the most avoidable. Healthy Home recommends regular cleaning around windows with LockUpLead Neutralizer as an effective way to maintain a lead-safe environment and give your child the lasting gift of healthy brain development. See how easy it is in this 2-minute video. LockUpLead Technology is EPA-tested and proven to lower the toxicity of poisonous lead to provide parents the best tool yet in eliminating this hazard.
Home Visits for Consultation
Take advantage of our $199 home consultation, where we provide our new, patented instant lead tester and show you how to find where invisible, toxic lead dust may exist in your home. Once you know where it is, it is often very easy to begin to take steps to eliminate most hazards and protect your family. We will also leave you with additional lead testers to use after the visit, or share with your friends and family, and help protect every child you love from this common, but preventable risk to healthy brain development. Includes lead testers, a home consultation, and discounts on safe-lead cleaning supplies - how can you wait? Call today for more information or to schedule a visit.