There are a lot of homes for sale on the market at this time. Great deals seem to be around every corner. Many of the homes are in older subdivisions that were built prior to 1978. These homes may have paint that contains lead called (lead based paint). Lead from paint, chips and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Knowledge is power! Here are the facts to help you make an informed decision!
Lead can enter the body in many ways here are a few
* Putting your hand or objects covered with lead dust in your mouth.
* Eating paint chips or soil that contains lead
* Breathing in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces)
Who can be harmed by lead based paint?
* Everyone can be harmed by lead based paint especially babies and young children. Children's growing bodies absorb more lead. Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead. Also expecting mothers need to be guarded against the harmful effects of lead.
Children with high levels of lead can suffer from
* Damage to the brain and nervous system
* Behavior and learning problems
* Slowed Growth
* Hearing Problems
* Headaches
Adults can suffer from
* High Blood Pressure
* Digestive problems
* Muscle and joint pain
* Nerve disorders
* Difficulties during pregnancy
* Memory and concentration problems
Where can lead based paint be found?
* Inside and outside of the home
* In soil around the home that has been picked up from exterior paint or other sources
Lead based paint that is in good condition may not be a hazard. Lead Based Paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking needs immediate attention. It can also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or get a lot of wear and tear such as
* Windows and window sills
* Doors and door frames
* Stairs, railings and banisters
* Porches and fences
You can get your home checked for lead hazards by doing the following.
* A paint inspection it will tell you the lead content of every painted surface in your home. It won't tell you whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal with it.
* A risk assessment tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposures (such as peeling paint and lead dust) It also tells you what actions to take to address these hazards.
As always have a qualified professional do the work.
A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Your doctor or health center can do the blood test. They are inexpensive and sometimes free. Your doctor will explain what the test results mean. Treatment can range from changes in your diet to medication or a hospital stay.
For more information on Lead Based paint give me a call and I will send you a pamphlet on lead based paint in your home it is much more detailed. Most of the information in the article comes directly from that pamphlet so you are getting great information. For those of you that have worked with me before you have received this pamphlet in your packet whether your home is recently built or older because the most confident and savvy buyer or seller is an informed one.
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| Real Estate Company Morrishia Dooley 678-886-8353 dooleymorr26@yahoo.com www.belpointerealestate.com therealestateavenue.blogspot.com |
