Lead Poisoning Hazards in Homes and Buildings across Puerto Rico

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no safe blood lead levels in children have been identified and yet at least 4 million households have children living in them that are being exposed to high levels of lead.  In fact, the CDC reports that there are approximately half a million U.S. children ages 1-5 with blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which the agency recommends public health actions be initiated.
 
Lead-based paints are the primarily culprit and were used frequently up until 1978 when they were banned for use in housing. Unfortunately, many homes and buildings across Puerto Rico still have them.  The past use of these paints, both inside and outside of buildings, poses an ongoing threat to both children and adults as the paints deteriorate or are disturbed during demolition or remodeling activities.
 
“It is a good idea to test and inspect paint and dust samples from all properties built before the lead-based paint ban went into effect,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “These paints could be on everything from walls and ceilings to furniture, toys and old tiles.  Even the plumbing in some properties could be exposing people to elevated levels of lead so testing the water in older structures is also highly recommended.  In fact, in Puerto Rico if a property was built before 1978, regulations require that all buildings that are going to be demolished or renovated need to be inspected for the presence of lead.”
 
Lead poisoning is an entirely preventable condition when people are informed of what they are being exposed to in their homes, schools and work environments.   The building science professionals at Zimmetry offer lead testing and consulting services to allow the general public and companies to identify potential hazards associated with exposure to this toxic heavy metal and to comply with existing regulations.  Zimmetry has also sponsored an online video about ways to protect children from exposure to lead that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/LkEqFhNDS-U
 
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