{"id":2273,"date":"2024-05-15T09:56:53","date_gmt":"2024-05-15T14:56:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edgllc.biz\/?p=2273"},"modified":"2024-05-15T09:56:54","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T14:56:54","slug":"lead-exposure-a-hidden-threat-in-your-older-building","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edgllc.biz\/lead\/lead-exposure-a-hidden-threat-in-your-older-building\/","title":{"rendered":"Lead Exposure: A Hidden Threat in Your Older Building"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you live or work in an old building, you may face a hidden danger: lead exposure. Many older buildings, especially those built before 1978, were constructed with lead materials. While lead-based paint has been banned for decades, it can still be found in many older buildings, lurking beneath layers of newer paint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This poses a severe health threat to those who occupy these buildings, as lead exposure can harm the brain and nervous system. Environmental Demolition Group discusses the dangers of lead in old buildings, where it can be found, and the importance of lead abatement<\/a> to protect yourself and others from this toxic substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Post: <\/strong>Lead Abatement FAQs<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Hiding Places of Lead in Your Building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lead, a hazardous material, can be stealthily present in several locations within an old building, making it imperative to know where to look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paint<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most prevalent source of lead in older buildings is lead-based paint<\/strong>. Although it’s often found on walls, its presence isn’t limited to them. Windowsills, door frames, and even baseboards can harbor layers of lead paint covered by non-lead-based paints applied over the years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plumbing Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Apart from paint, lead can also be found in plumbing materials, including pipes and solder, especially in buildings constructed before 1986. This is concerning because it can leach into the building’s water supply, posing a risk to everyone who drinks it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lead can be present in the soil surrounding a building. Over time, lead particles from exterior paint or industrial activities can contaminate the soil, which not only affects outdoor play areas but can also be tracked indoors. Depending on water runoff, lead can get into the water supply for wells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roofing and Flooring Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Older vinyl flooring and even some roofing materials may contain lead, adding to the list of potential sources within a building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awareness and identification of these hiding places are crucial steps in addressing the dangers of lead exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the Symptoms of Lead Poisoning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recognizing the symptoms of lead poisoning is critical for early detection and intervention. Initially, lead poisoning can be hard to identify due to its vague and nonspecific symptoms, which may resemble those of other common health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 In children<\/strong>, lead poisoning often manifests as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n