Lead Paint Abatement
Lead based paint is a real hazard in older homes. 8 Inch Nails is an Oregon Certified Lead Abatement specialist. When remodeling your home, hammering nails, drilling, sawing and other activities will release hazardous materials into the air and onto other surfaces. Lead paint abatement and removal is not something to take lightly and should not be done by an uncertified amateur. 8 Inch Nails has the experience you need to keep your home and family safe when it comes to the removal of lead based paint.
The following information is from the Oregon Health Authority (http://public.health.oregon.gov)
How are adults exposed to lead?
Adult lead poisoning occurs from exposure to lead used in materials common to older homes, including lead paints, paint finishes, older radiators and more. You may inhale lead dust and fumes directly, or swallow lead dust while eating, drinking, or smoking on-the-job. Adults can also be exposed during certain hobbies and activities where lead is used.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning in adults?
People with high levels of lead in their bodies often do not seem sick. The symptoms that occur are very general and can happen for many reasons. Overexposure to lead can cause serious damage even if the person has no symptoms. A blood lead test is the only way to find out if an adult has lead poisoning. Lead is a powerful poison that stays in your body a long time. It can build up in your body to dangerous levels even if you are exposed only to small amounts of lead over a long period. An elevated blood lead level shows that lead is building up in your body faster than it can be eliminated.
Signs or symptoms that may be related to over-exposure to lead are:
- Tiredness or weakness
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Aches or pains in stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Weight loss
How does lead affect adults?
- Impotency
- Brain and nervous system damage
- High blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Kidney problems
- Anemia
- Reproductive system problems
- Hearing, vision and muscle coordination problems
The Impact of Lead Based Paint on Children
Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning for children and can also affect adults. In children, lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage and can impair mental functioning. It can retard mental and physical development and reduce attention span. It can also retard fetal development even at extremely low levels of lead. In adults, it can cause irritability, poor muscle coordination, and nerve damage to the sense organs and nerves controlling the body. Lead poisoning may also cause problems with reproduction (such as a decreased sperm count). It may also increase blood pressure. Thus, young children, fetuses, infants, and adults with high blood pressure are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead.