Originally posted by SirLoin
If you have "Thomas The Tank Engine" wooden train vehicles for your kids they have just been all recalled...
Made In China train peices were coloured with paint containing lead.
if u have kids check this out.
If you live in a house built before 1978. You might want ot consider getting rid of that too.
Actually while Im sounding sarcastic. Im really only being half sarcastic
According to the EPA
"Although lead-based house paint has long since been taken off the market, children living in older homes are threatened by chipping or peeling lead paint, or excessive amounts of lead-contaminated dust. More than 80 percent of homes built before 1978 contain lead paint"
http://www.epa.gov/Region2/health/leadpoisoning.htm While even low levels of lead can be dangerous. The primary danger lies in the dust as it is more easily ingested into the system full strength, where as chunks and chips of paint will likely pass through.
Most often associated with old windows.
A pretty obvious example that a lot of people don't think about is something like this.
Sliding the windows up and down creates friction. as the window rubs back and forth in the sash it wears down the paint and primer previously applied.
If you ever have the chance and see the old style single glass thickness windows. Open the window and look at the sill. Odds are you will see what looks to be a lot of grime and dust.
Well guess where a lot of that dust came from.
Now the scenario goes like this.
Small child goes by window.. places hands in the sill to try to pull himself up to look out the window better.
Dust gets all over fingers.
Then little kids being little kids. place their fingers in their mouths thus ingesting the dust from their fingers.
Lead enters their system. yadda yadda etc etc.
If you have these kind of windows, and small children. replace them.
If you cant afford to replace them right away. Either don't open them . Or if you must or really want to have windows open for fresh air. Open them from the top only.
I had a kid that used to live two doors down from me who suffered a severe case of lead poisoning that caused SEVERE RETARDATION.
It was both sad and sickening to look at and hear as we could easily hear the kid two houses away when he went into his fits.
I wouldn't wish this watermelon on my worst enemy.
I beg you all. HEED my words.
There are ways to have it dealt with. but you MUST hire a professional who is both qualified and certified for both testing and abatement.
They sell test kits in the store. And they can be a good indicator.
But they are NOT a replacement for a professional.
If you read the instructions on such test kits it plainly states this.
I'm actually considering getting into "Lead testing and Abatement"
Its gonna cost a small fortune for the training. But there ardent that many certified in it in my area.
Most house painters are NOT certified in testing or abatement/encapsulation. And in my area those that ardent are exempt from the lead laws. From sanding and prep work needed which may release lead dust and particles. Into the air and on the ground.
So remember. just cause you had your house painted. Doesn't mean its safe.
