Possible Lead Hazards in Hundreds of Thousands of Memphis Homes

Fox 13 News recently broadcasted a report sharing numbers from the Shelby County Department of Housing that indicate more than 200,000 homes in Memphis could have lead problems. According to their news report, this number was based on research conducted in 2017. Common sources of lead could be in a home, outside of the residence or in tap water.

Memphis is not alone in the challenges the city faces tackling lead exposure risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported: There are still many locations throughout the U.S. with significant numbers of children with lead exposure. The distribution of elevated blood lead levels in the U.S. children varies by geographic location. This is due mainly to the variability of sources of lead in the environment and of other risk factors, such as housing age and poverty, in different locations throughout the nation.

Lead exposure risks are of extra concern for families with young children. Children are considered to be especially at risk of lead poisoning because their bodies are still developing and they are growing so rapidly. They also tend to put their hands or other objects that may be contaminated with lead dust into their mouths. Exposure to lead has numerous damaging health effects, these can range from damage to the brain and nervous system to hearing and speech problems, to name just a few.

“Many towns and cities have huge numbers of homes that were built before the ban on lead-based paint that went into effect in 1978,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As aging paint peels, cracks or is disturbed during renovation activities, it creates dust that settles in the home or in the soil around the home. A number of municipalities also have homes with old lead pipes or plumbing materials and fixtures that contain lead that can enter the drinking water supply.”

Fortunately, lead poisoning is entirely preventable and the lead experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. offer lead testing from water, air, dust, paint chips, soil, bulk materials and other types of samples. They offer all of the supplies needed to take and submit samples and carry a line of easy-to-use lead test kits.

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


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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