Are you at risk?

Take this self administered Home Assessment to determine if you and your family may be at risk for lead poisoning:

1. Has any painting, sanding, or other renovation been done in your home in the past three months?
2. Have you had doors, windows, woodwork, or furniture restored, refinished, or replaced?
3. Is there visible dust or flaking paint by the doors or windows?
4. Are there any teeth marks on the surface of window sills or doors? Do doors and windows show any signs of wear, impact, or rubbing?
5. Are there any visible signs of paint chips along the drip line of your home or under the porch?
6. Are there visible signs of flaking paint on or by the painted porch, siding, or other exterior areas?
7. Are any renovations, painting, or other activities being conducted on neighboring properties?
8. Do you have imported mini-blinds in your home?
9. Does the yard by your home have bare soil or areas without grass?
10. Do you store food or beverages in antique or imported ceramic ware or leaded crystal?

If you have answered YES or I don’t know to any of these questions, you and your family may be at risk for lead poisoning.

Was your home built before 1978?

If so, it is almost certain that your home contains lead and it may be poisoning you or your child. Lead poisoning in Washington, D.C. remains one of the most dangerous environmental threats to children, despite the fact that it is completely preventable. Census data from 2005 estimate that 91% of housing in the District of Columbia was built prior to 1980. The use of lead in paint was banned in 1978 which suggests that many of these homes may contain lead-based paint and/or lead dust hazards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that as of 2005 about 47, 719 children in the United States had an elevated blood lead level (= 10 µg/dL).

Number of Housing Structures Built in DC by Decade

Common sources of lead

Lead Paint:
Older homes such as those built before 1978 may contain Lead-Based Paint. As the paint wears, it can chip or peel off of the wall. With normal wear the paint on windows and doors can easily rub off from constant use. If the paint on these surfaces contains lead, the flaking or friction may create a lead dust you may not be able to see. It is important to clean these surfaces often with a wet cloth in order to remove any potential lead dust hazard.

Water:
Older plumbing, solder or fixtures may have been made with lead. This may cause the lead to leach out of these materials and into your water. Let your tap run for about 5 minutes before using it. Only cook with or drink cold water from your tap. It is easier for lead to leach out of these materials when warm water is flowing through the pipes. Therefore use cold water whenever possible. LSDC recommends a certified NSF pitcher-style water filter for any family who is uncertain about the quality of their water and wants to reduce their exposure to lead. Families with children under six, or babies that drink water-based formula should especially consider a pitcher filter for all water that is consumed.

Food:
Food could have been contaminated if it was grown in lead contaminated soil. Food can be contaminated if it is stored in ceramics, cans or other containers containing lead. Many ceramics that are made in foreign countries may contain lead. If you suspect or even if you are not sure, DO NOT use those containers to serve food. Use glass or plastic containers instead.

Soil:
Gasoline contained lead until the mid 1980’s. Soil near highways may still be contaminated with lead from before leaded gasoline was phased out. Soil may have been contaminated from lead paint from buildings, insecticides or pollution from highways.

Lead Exposure

The most common way for lead to enter the body is through the mouth. This is especially common in children because they tend to put their hands in their mouths often. They may chew on window sills or paint chips found on the floor.

Pregnant women could pass lead in their blood to their unborn children through the placenta.
What to do if you suspect there might be lead in your home

Have your home tested for lead.

Please see the section on Lead abatement for more information regarding abatement practices and licensed abatement contractors.

For additional information regarding Lead in your home you may also call the National Lead Information Center at: 1-800-424-LEAD

Health effects of lead

Lead poisoning has been associated with:

• Reduced Intelligence / Learning Disabilities
• Shortened Memory
• Slowed Reaction Times
• Poor Hand-Eye Coordination
• Antisocial Behavior
• Decreased Growth
• Hyperactivity
• Impaired Hearing

The cost to society includes not only medical treatment and special education, but also higher rates of high school dropouts with low earning potential, and subsequent increased criminal activity.