Getting the lead out!
So you’re finally going to renovate your home. Are you all ready? Is the bid complete? Check. Have you checked your contractor’s references? Double check. What about his certification to renovate a house built before 1978? Huh?
A series of meetings is being conducted around the state by the Illinois Department of Public Health Lead Program to inform the public about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Renovation, Repair and Painting Lead Law that goes into effect April 22.
The new law will require contractors, property managers and others paid to replace windows or renovate residential houses, apartments and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 to be certified by the EPA.
According to the Illinois Department of Health, the new law is intended to protect children from leaded dust that may result from disturbing lead-based paint.
“There is no safe level of lead in the body,” said Lead Coordinator Deborah Piper of the Bureau/Putnam County Health Department. “With the many beautiful older homes in our area, lead poisoning continues to be a concern locally.”
Piper said the long-term effects of elevated levels of lead can be severe, and may include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, decreased growth, decreased hearing and even brain damage.
And the problem is worse for children. Piper said growing children absorb more of the lead dust than adults and are also exposed to more lead dust. They are more apt to be down on the ground and engage in more hand to mouth activity. In 2008, more than 5,000 Illinois children had elevated blood lead levels.
Lead-based paint was outlawed in 1978, but there’s still plenty of it around in area homes and apartments. Piper said that paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard, but it can become dangerous when it is found on surfaces that get a lot of wear-and-tear, such as windows, doors and porches.
“Window sills, railings and banisters can pose a threat for young children because they are apt to chew on these surfaces,” she said.
The new law doesn’t apply to homeowners, but is designed to educate those who renovate those homes and apartments with existing lead paint. Piper said renovation can stir up the most amount of lead dust, especially through dry sanding, scraping and heat removal. Removing wallpaper can also stir up old lead paint.
Piper said this new federal law has the potential to significantly decrease childhood lead poisoning by certifying contractors and property managers.
“It is important for homeowners to be aware of techniques to limit the exposure and to hire contractors that are certified in renovation techniques,” she said. “The goal is contain the work area, minimize the dust and to clean up thoroughly.”
Piper said a pamphlet titled, “Lead Pain Safety” provides complete and useful information for homeowners and is available on the Web site of the Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov/. People can also call the local health department at (815) 879-0341 for more information.
Piper said parents should make sure their contractor is certified before signing on that dotted line.
“It’s kind of like with the no smoking rule,” she said. “People will become more aware and start asking for it.”
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For families who do have possible exposure to lead, there are many things they can do to minimize exposures. Deborah Piper said it is important to screen for blood lead levels at an early age when the child is most susceptible, at 1- and 2-years of age. In addition, parents should:
• Wash the child’s hands frequently along with other items that end up in the mouth.
• Keep the area where the children play as clean and dust free as possible.
• Wash floors, window frames, sill and other surfaces weekly, thoroughly rinsing sponges and mop heads after cleaning.
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making infant formula. Let the water run for 15 to 30 seconds before using if you have not used the water for a few hours.
• Remember a healthy diet rich in protein and calcium, along with vitamin C sources, helps the child absorb less lead.
