Before the risks of lead became apparent (in particular to children), houses were painted in luscious, vibrant colours that now appear faded. Know how to identify lead paint if you either live in an old house or frequent places where structures were built a long time ago. By learning how to identify lead paint you can help protect yourself and your family.
What Is Lead Paint?
Lead-based paint or lead paint is paint containing lead particles. Once upon a time, lead was added to paint to ensure the longevity of its colour. But we now know lead is a dangerous thing, particularly for kids who get sick just by touching it or from breathing dust that comes off of it.
Why Is Lead Paint Dangerous?
Lead is a powerful half-metal having traits of both metals and nonmetals but it contains harmful poisonous hazards when introduced into the body. Old lead-based paint can crack and peel.
This peeling paint turns into minute dust particles which are invisible to our naked eyes. Touching the dust and then putting your hands in your mouth, or breathing it in all of that lead can make it into you.
Lead is bad for children, who can be very hurt by it and may not grow the right way or learn new things as they should, especially if S you have a lot of lead in your body.
How to Identify Lead Paint
If you wish to learn more about it or determine if there is any lead paint in your home, which may be located wherever anyone spends the most time consider some of these tips:
Depends on the age of the building: If it was built before 1978, chances are artillery could have lead paint. Years ago, people unknowingly used pain that has lead in it.
Look for (some kind of) paint overlooked or chipping: Lead is sometimes painted on a single layer, which follows crack easily because it is very decedent If you see peeling paint, particularly on and in older buildings it is more likely to be lead-based.
Take note of strange colours (old lead paint was sometimes used in vibrant hues like red, yellow or green). Older Bright Colors (1500s-1905) — If you spot vibrant colours that look old, this may be lead paint. ·
Test kits – If you think a surface may have lead paint, ask an adult to buy Jordan and Aaron some from the store. This DIY kit is perfect for discovering whether the paint in your home contains lead. The presence of lead causes the test kit to change colour, indicating contamination.
You Find Lead Paint — Now What?
If you ever find paint that looks like it has lead in it, keep away from this and tell an adult. This is what the adults could come up with:
Do not touch: The peeling of lead paint can prove to be extremely dangerous, therefore it should never come in direct physical contact with us. If this guy is younger than 18, take it up the chain to another adult.
Sometimes paint creates dust, hopefully, the vision involved an adult with particular clean-up tools and techniques. It is not recommended that they just sweep it because sweeping can spread lead dust.
Hire experts Some lead paints are so bad that you will have to call in people with experience in removing them. They get trained on how to do this and they have the equipment.
Staying Safe from Lead Paint
To remain lead paint risk-free, comply with these actions:
- Hand hygiene: Always wash your hands, before eating or after playing. This helps prevent any household dust that may contain lead from settling in your body.
- Don’t lick paint This may sound ridiculous, but some small children think that a tiny flake of colourful material is candy. Never touch or lick paint
- Clean your toys: If you are playing somewhere with contains lead paint, clean all of your toys after that. This makes them safe to play with.
- Watch out for old toys: In addition to your child’s objects, anyone playing with them might have even older items which could also be covered in lead paint. If you are not certain, have an adult determine if it is safe for play.
What Can Lead Poisoning Do?
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body. It can sicken you quite a bit. Symptoms of Lead poisoning include.
- Always tired (so, so tired)
- Difficulty with focus at school
- Getting stomach aches
- Assumed muscle weakness
- Even if they do not seem sick at first, lead can hurt a child’s brain and body.
How Do Doctors Help?
If your doctor suspects that you have lead poisoning, they will perform a blood test. This is one of the ways you might be able to tell if there is a heavy amount of lead within your system.
If you have too much lead, your doctor will tell you what to do. You may be given medicine that helps your body get rid of the lead.
How Can Adults Help?
To protect children from the dangers of lead paint, there are many things that adults can do. Here are some ways:
- You can test your home: there are kits that adults may be able to get at certain stores or you can have a professional come and check for lead paint in your house. They test for lead paint, and if they find some, develop an abatement plan to remove it safely.
- Fix it safely: If your home has peeling or chipping paint, be sure to fix those areas using lead-safe work practices. Unsettling old paint might release hazardous lead dust.
- Inspect other places: Your home may not be the only place you find lead paint; many schools, daycares, and even playgrounds are likely to have it. A single way in which adults can ensure these safe havens steer clear of direct exposure to lead is usually by examining for that chemical substance.
Or, but my house was built before this time.
Just because you are in an older home does not mean that your life is compromised however, remember to always be cautious. Check out a few things that you can do:
- Paint it: If the paint is in good condition and not peeling, then sometimes homeowners can just coat new non-toxic paint over them. This contains the lead paint beneath it so that nobody is harmed by it.
- Avoid areas with peeling paint: Avoid any area where the paint is cracking or peeling until it can be repaired.
- Clean up: Routine cleaning of floors and windowsills where dust can accumulate will help reduce lead dust.
Fun Activities to Learn More
It is possible to learn about lead paint without being alarmed. A few fun activities to try:
- Scavenger hunt for lead paint: Take a tour of your house with an adult to see if you can find any evidence that there are still some leftovers from the Olden days when toxic chemicals ran rampant in everything! And, again: No touching only looking!
- Create or download a lead-safe colouring book. You can also draw safe places where there is no lead like houses and other shelters.
- Poster: Create a poster to remind your family and friends about how washing hands and cleaning toys can keep them safe from lead.
Conclusion
When you have an older home, it is really important to be able to identify lead paint. Lead paint is hazardous however by recognising it and taking the appropriate measures you can protect yourself & family. Just remember that if you think a piece contains lead paint tell an adult and be sure to follow the tips on staying safe.