State and federal officials commonly recommended using house paints containing lead for the first three-quarters of the twentieth century. United States studies first published in 1949 confirmed the health dangers this substance poses to children, but an outright ban was resisted until another 29 years had passed. Pre-1978 lead paint exists in many structures, and can still harm people exposed to the peeling and flaking residue.
While many oil-based paints incorporated this substance in the past, they are not the only source. Some consumer products such as batteries and certain cosmetics, solder, and even the by-products of many industrial processes all contributed to the prevalence of environmental lead. The toxic pigments were highly favored by professional painters due to superior durability, less peeling and flaking when exposed to weather, and water resistance.
It is still preferred by some artists, and is commonly used in the ship building industry, which requires substances that can effectively coat hulls while inhibiting corrosion. The colors it produces have traditionally been superior, although many water-based compounds today have become comparably vivid. Enamels containing this ingredient are still widely sold in many countries, and there have been highly publicized cases involving contaminated imports.
Today, residual toxins still exist in nearly three-quarters of all homes built prior to the late seventies. For careful adults who understand how to remove and avoid accidentally ingesting this material, the risks are minimized. Children are the most vulnerable group, primarily because their bodies are smaller, allowing toxic buildup to occur more quickly. The long-term effects of exposure to even small amounts are well-documented.
After it is breathed or swallowed, the element migrates to calcium-rich bones, where it builds up. In young people, a very small measure of toxin can result in serious problems. Common symptoms may include abdominal and muscle pain accompanied by nausea, chronic constipation, unusual fatigue, and loss of appetite. A child absorbs nearly half of the lead ingested, but adults typically retain only about ten percent.
In the early stages of exposure it may be difficult to pinpoint the actual source of trouble. Because their bodies and minds are still developing, children exposed to this poison may experience increasing learning disabilities, unusual behavioral problems, kidney disease, and stunted physical growth. These symptoms are shared by other serious ailments, and by the time the real culprit has been discovered, damage may be severe.
Although less susceptible, adults may experience hypertension and kidney problems, and pregnant women can easily pass along the toxin to a developing fetus, sometimes resulting in poor fetal growth or premature birth. It can also be transmitted through breast milk, and over time may result in fertility issues that are difficult to overcome. The only truly effective way to control the effects of exposure is to completely remove the source.
People in San Diego, CA who feel their residence may be at risk can arrange for a licensed inspection. If a landlord does not respond to this request in a timely fashion, home testing kits can be purchased at hardware stores. A complete check includes interiors, common areas and nearby exteriors. The well-documented negative results of long-term exposure are too serious to be ignored.
While many oil-based paints incorporated this substance in the past, they are not the only source. Some consumer products such as batteries and certain cosmetics, solder, and even the by-products of many industrial processes all contributed to the prevalence of environmental lead. The toxic pigments were highly favored by professional painters due to superior durability, less peeling and flaking when exposed to weather, and water resistance.
It is still preferred by some artists, and is commonly used in the ship building industry, which requires substances that can effectively coat hulls while inhibiting corrosion. The colors it produces have traditionally been superior, although many water-based compounds today have become comparably vivid. Enamels containing this ingredient are still widely sold in many countries, and there have been highly publicized cases involving contaminated imports.
Today, residual toxins still exist in nearly three-quarters of all homes built prior to the late seventies. For careful adults who understand how to remove and avoid accidentally ingesting this material, the risks are minimized. Children are the most vulnerable group, primarily because their bodies are smaller, allowing toxic buildup to occur more quickly. The long-term effects of exposure to even small amounts are well-documented.
After it is breathed or swallowed, the element migrates to calcium-rich bones, where it builds up. In young people, a very small measure of toxin can result in serious problems. Common symptoms may include abdominal and muscle pain accompanied by nausea, chronic constipation, unusual fatigue, and loss of appetite. A child absorbs nearly half of the lead ingested, but adults typically retain only about ten percent.
In the early stages of exposure it may be difficult to pinpoint the actual source of trouble. Because their bodies and minds are still developing, children exposed to this poison may experience increasing learning disabilities, unusual behavioral problems, kidney disease, and stunted physical growth. These symptoms are shared by other serious ailments, and by the time the real culprit has been discovered, damage may be severe.
Although less susceptible, adults may experience hypertension and kidney problems, and pregnant women can easily pass along the toxin to a developing fetus, sometimes resulting in poor fetal growth or premature birth. It can also be transmitted through breast milk, and over time may result in fertility issues that are difficult to overcome. The only truly effective way to control the effects of exposure is to completely remove the source.
People in San Diego, CA who feel their residence may be at risk can arrange for a licensed inspection. If a landlord does not respond to this request in a timely fashion, home testing kits can be purchased at hardware stores. A complete check includes interiors, common areas and nearby exteriors. The well-documented negative results of long-term exposure are too serious to be ignored.
No comments:
Post a Comment