EPA Greenversations: “Preventing Lead Poisoning” [1]
Posted on October 25th, 2010 - 10:30 AM
Picture this: You live in a gorgeous older row home in Washington D. C. Although it’s a “fixer upper”, you bought it for its unmatched Victorian charm and its unbeatable location (Who doesn’t want to live next to a cupcake shop?). You finally decide it’s time to remodel the kid’s room and update the kitchen, but your spidey-sense is going off because you know that renovating a pre-1978 homes with lead paint can have risks. What’s the next step?
- Do a search on the internet about EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule
- Look for a contractor, but make sure to ask them if they are EPA Lead-Safe Certified
- Check with your pediatrician about testing your children for lead
The answer is: All of the above — And don’t forget to share what you learn on your neighborhood list serve!
Learning about Lead-Safe renovations is one of the many actions you can take to prevent lead poisoning during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week this October 24-30, 2010.
This year for Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, consider taking concrete steps to make a difference (or tell a neighbor):
- Get Your Home Tested. Ask for a lead inspection if you live in home built before 1978.
- Get Your Child Tested. Ask your doctor to test your young children for lead even if they seem healthy.
- Get the Facts. Read more information [2] about preventing childhood lead poisoning
Tell us, what are you doing to spread the word or learn more about Lead Poisoning Prevention.
About the author: Christina Wadlington joined EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics in July 2008 and works in the National Program Chemicals Division.