Heavy Metals




In my work, I sometimes get to perform housing inspections that must meet federal standards. One of these is the lead standard and if a certain amount of paint is peeling/cracking inside a home older than 1978, then it must go through remediation. But, it does not if it's just a small amount. It makes me think about how many children will grow up with the continued risk of being contaminated. After reading these articles, it was interesting to learn how older homes with lead paint are the single largest cause of lead poisoning.

The health effects it can have on the body are concerning, especially for children. In the research reviewed, I wonder what other chemicals were tested for besides lead, like asbestos, etc.? Because, learning about the vast amount in our systems, there could also be compounding of potential health issues.

Comments

  1. Jordan DemosOctober 25, 2018 at 3:01 PM

    Hi Stacey,

    I'm curious to know what makes a house inspection required? Is it done upon request from the home owner, or done when a house is sold and bought? Or is it something that has to be done every x amount of years? I'm asking because I live in a home built in the 50's and I know this house has been inspected for lead paint, but if I were unaware of that, then I would definitely be having it inspected.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 28, 2018 at 1:15 PM

      Hi Jordan,

      That's good yours was inspected! I think many people do not think to have it checked. In my work, we perform them for housing programs for the formerly homeless, and because they are government-subsidized units, they must pass an inspection before move-in and at least annually. But it's also a state law for sale/rentals of all housing to have in the lease whether or not the owner is aware of lead-based paint hazards, if it was built prior to 1978.

      Delete
  2. Caitlin WintonNovember 3, 2018 at 8:00 AM

    Hi Stacey,

    Wow this is a really great post and I find it very interesting that you sometimes inspect homes. It is definitely very concerning for children in these situations. Especially because the people who live in this type of housing probably cannot afford to get the paint removed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 7, 2018 at 8:27 AM

    Hi Stacey,

    Its good that there are inspection to see if there lead in these older houses. I am just curious about the small amount portion. I feel like home is the place where we sleep, eat, and live in. We spend a majority of our time indoor, especially little children. I wonder the effects of these small amounts on these children. Just like you I am also wondering about the other chemicals that could potentially be in the house that we don't check for... I usually ask people about their ventilation system when there are some health issues that they think are from inside the house... but now, I would definitely consider these chemical exposures

    ReplyDelete

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