What you need to know about dealing with a potentially dangerous renovation issue
If you’re considering a home renovation project, you may be facing a significant—and potentially dangerous—issue that never crossed your mind: Lead poisoning.
Because lead-based paints have not been used in residential settings for more than 30 years, many homeowners are unaware of the health issues involved when renovating an older home. But the potential health impact is real. And there are also legal concerns you need to be aware of.
What’s the problem?
Exposure to lead can cause serious health and development problems—especially among children under six years of age. Lead exposure can affect the development of children’s brains
and nervous systems, resulting in reduced IQ, levels, learning disabilities, and even behavioral problems. Children aren’t the only ones affected by lead exposure. Expectant mothers who are also at risk because they can pass this dangerous heavy metal on to their unborn children. And other adults are not immune from the effects of lead either. Even low levels of exposure to lead can lead to high blood pressure and hypertension.