During our childhood days, our teacher constantly reminds us that our pencils belong to the case and not in our mouth. Lead used in writing is highly toxic and this is the same metal found in home paints. Extreme exposure may cause a range of health problems especially among children. When absorbed into the body, it can badly affect the brain, liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. It can also pose danger to the blood stream and nerves.
Absorption of lead may also cause behavioral problems, seizures, and in the worst case scenario, it can cause death. With these grave reasons, it’s better to leave the job to Minneapolis siding contractors when you need to remove the deteriorated lead paint when repainting your home.
When deteriorated lead paint mixes with household dust trapped inside your home may poison you especially the kids. They may be harmed just by touching contaminated objects and put their hand into their mouth afterwards. With this threat, it’s best to ask the help of siding contractors in Minneapolis and choose the one with a good track record on handling lead-related cases. Has your home been checked from the outside to the inside?
Meanwhile, here’s what you can do on your own for immediate action, as listed on hud.gov:
- Wipe down flat surfaces, like window sills, with a damp paper towel and throw away the paper towel
- Mop smooth floors (using a damp mop) weekly to control dust
- Take off shoes when entering the house
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove dust
- If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a “higher efficiency” collection bag
- Pick up loose paint chips carefully with a paper towel and discard in the trash, then wipe the surface clean with a wet paper towel
- Take precautions to avoid creating lead dust when remodeling, renovating, or maintaining your home
- Test for lead hazards by a lead professional (Have the soil tested too)
To test for lead hazards, contact Twin Cities Siding and Roofing. Call us if you have an old home, especially if it was built before 1978. We have a good track record on inspecting homes on lead-related hazards and executing industry safety procedures. Prioritize your health and leave the job to the pro. Contact us today.
(Article Excerpt from About Lead-Based Paint, http://www.portal.hud.gov, n.d.)
