Potential Lead Sources and Exposure Risks for Residents of Puerto Rico

While lead-based paints are still widely considered the most likely source of exposure to lead for most people, there are a number of other potential ways children and adults could come in contact with this toxic heavy metal.
 
Avoiding exposure is important as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. Even so, the CDC states that approximately half a million U.S. children still have blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which the agency recommends public health actions be initiated.
 
According to the New York State Department of Health, other sources (aside from lead-based paints) of lead exposure may include:

• Contaminated dust, soil, drinking water and air
• Folk medicines, ayurvedics and cosmetics
• Children’s jewelry and toys
• Workplace and hobbies
• Lead-glazed ceramics, china, leaded crystal and pewter
• Imported candies or foods
• Imported food in cans
• Firearms with lead bullets
• Mini-blinds (some non-glossy, vinyl mini-blinds from foreign countries may contain lead)
• Other common sources (car batteries, radiators, some inks, etc.)

“While deteriorating lead-based paints and when these coatings are disturbed during renovation, remodeling and demolition activities continue to be a significant cause of lead exposure, the sources listed by the New York State Department of Health could also result in health risks for people,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, the environmental and building science professionals at Zimmetry offer comprehensive lead testing and consulting services to identify and mitigate these and other potential hazards. These services conform to all of Puerto Rico’s existing lead regulations and help to safeguard families, workers and keep companies and institutions in regulatory compliance.”
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their lead, indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, occupational and compliance consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail