LEAD RISK ASSESSMENT

Triangle Environmental Science and Engineering Inc. conducts Lead Hazard Assessments under the guidance of

• Missouri Revised Statute Chapter 701, State Standards, Section 701.304, ASTM E 2115 -06 “Standard Guide for Conducting Lead Hazard Assessments of Dwellings and of other Child-Occupied Facilities"
• United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 CFR Subtitle A, § 35.1320 Lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments.

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The sweet taste of lead

Lead was first used 8,500 years ago in present day Turkey.  It's low melting point, malleability and non corrosive properties made it populer among the ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese who used it to make ornamental objects, pottery glazing, solder, roofing, gutters, coffins, coins, paints, cisterns, and even cosmetics.  The Romans used lead pipes to transport water and cooked in lead pots which enhanced their food and wine giving it a pleasany "sweet" taste.  Unfortunately this habit increased the incidence of sterility, infertility, still birth, and mental impairment.

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Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is a serious but preventable health problem that can cause permanent damage, especially to unborn babies and children under six years old. Lead affects virtually every system in the body. It is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of young children.

While no amount of lead in the body is safe, the effects of lead depend upon the level of lead in the blood. In children, very high levels can cause deafness, blindness, coma, convulsions, and even death. Moderate levels, too, can harm the brain and nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Even very low levels, which may not cause any obvious symptoms, are associated with decreased intelligence, behavioral problems, decreased growth, impaired hearing, and decreased ability to maintain a steady posture.

These problems remain long after childhood. In comparison with children who have not been exposed to lead, children who have been exposed are much more likely to have problems with reading, vocabulary, attention, fine-motor coordination, school attendance, and academic achievement. They are more likely to drop out of high school.

Lead can also damage adults. It can cause problems with reproduction, blood pressure, digestion, the nervous system, memory and concentration, and muscles and joints.

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 Lead Sources

The most common source of lead poisoning in Missouri is lead-based paint, which was used in homes until 1978. Houses built before 1950 may contain paint that has a very high percentage of lead. Children who live in or frequently visit older housing may breathe in or swallow paint dust or may swallow paint chips from deteriorating paint. Repair or renovation activities that disturb lead-based paint can create dangerous lead dust.

Lead may also be found in the air, water, and soil:

• Lead can get into the air from lead-related industries, such as smelting, battery manufacturing, and radiator repair, and from the burning of lead-painted items.
• Lead can enter household water from old pipes and solder.
• Lead may have entered the soil from leaded gasoline, industrial sources, and old, deteriorated exterior paint.

All buildings constructed prior to 1978 has the potential to contain lead-based paint. Over 64 million dwellings in the U.S. contain lead-based paint, IF you suspect your building contains lead-based paint, have the area inspected by a licensed building inspector – especially if there are young children or pregnant women present