DIYers need to be aware of the risks of sanding or removing lead based paint

05/11/2009 | Lead based paint risks

LEAD-BASED PAINT INFORMATION
With the arrival of summer, house renovations are often on the agenda. However, some householders may not be aware that there could be a hidden danger lurking in the paint on their home – lead. Lead was used in paints as a pigment and as a drying compound until the early 1980s. Houses built before this may have been painted with such paint.

In the past MidCentral Health Public Health Services has had a number of notifications of lead poisoning associated with Do It Yourselfers (DIYers) sanding lead based paint on both the exterior and interior of houses. It can be a bit of a shock for people when they discover they may have inadvertently exposed themselves or their children to a toxin, says Coordinator for Health Protection Tui Shadbolt.

WHY IS LEAD IN PAINT A PROBLEM?
Lead is a poison to humans and animals and can contaminate the environment for many years. High lead levels in humans can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms are vague and may not be recognised as due to lead poisoning. Deaths are associated with very high levels of lead or ongoing lower levels of exposure. Although everyone is at risk, unborn and pre-school children are most vulnerable to lead. Lead affects the developing brain and nervous system and can result in lowered IQ and behavioural problems.

Exposure is usually through ingestion (via mouth) and inhalation of lead-based dusts, so safe removal and disposal of lead-based paints are critical. Young children are at greater risk because they often put their fingers and objects such as toys, which may be contaminated with dust or soil, in their mouth. Young children also absorb more of the lead they take in than older children and adults.

The test to detect the presence of lead is available free from the MidCentral Public Health Unit (Rata House, Community Health Village, Palmerston North Hospital). People can either bring paint flakes (≥1 square cm) into the unit and the test can be done while they wait. If they can’t bring the sample in, the customer can contact us on (06) 350-9110 and we will post them a sample kit with a prepaid return envelope. If a paint sample is positive for lead Health Protection Officers will provide a free information book on safe removal.