Could There Be Lead Hazards Lurking in Your Home?

Lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body and although people of all ages can be at risk of exposure, children are especially vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no safe blood lead level in children has been identified and at least 4 million households in the United States have children living in conditions with high lead levels.

One of the most likely sources of lead in a home is due to the past use of lead-based paints. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that if a home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. The agency also reports that lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning.

Unfortunately, lead paint is still present in millions of homes, sometimes under layers of newer paint. Deteriorating lead-based paint is a hazard and needs immediate attention as it can often contaminate household dust as will any demolition, remodeling and renovation activities without the proper safety precautions in place. Lead dust can also be tracked into a home or building from soil outside that is contaminated by deteriorated exterior lead-based paint and other sources, such as industrial pollution or the past use of leaded gasoline.

Lead in tap water may be another concern. The CDC states that lead can be found in some metal water taps, interior water pipes or pipes connecting a house to the main water pipe in the street. Lead found in tap water frequently comes from the corrosion of older fixtures or from the solder that connects pipes. If water sits in leaded pipes for several hours, lead may leach into the water supply.

“This is why it is so important that lead hazards in a home or other type of building are identified and either controlled or removed safely,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Those concerned about the possible presence of lead exposure risks can turn to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for comprehensive testing services, sampling supplies and test kits. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about lead in people’s homes that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJMX4oNaLTQ.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail