Lead

Lead poisoning can be a risk factor to all age groups, however, children under the age of 5 are especially susceptible because they frequently put their hands in their mouth causing them to ingest any lead that may be in soil or on other surfaces.

The largest sources of lead poisoning come from Lead-Based Paints (LBP). Over 80% of all homes built before 1978 in the US contain LBP. These paints contaminate mostly by the dust it gives off, rather than actual paint chips. The dust gets into the air when it is rubbed or scraped (for example, when opening or closing a window whose frame is painted with LBP). The dust also can get into the soil. EPA estimates that about 58 million homes contain Lead-Based Paint (LBP), and cautions that one in eleven children in the US have blood lead levels that are dangerously high.

What can I do?

• Test your home for the presence of lead – especially before beginning construction or major clean-up projects. Consumer lead test kits are available, or contact a certified lead inspector.
• Make sure you dust your home every week. When dusting, do not use a feather-type duster, these only release the dust back into the air. If the presence of lead is suspected, soapy water or solutions designed for lead specific cleaning should be used.
• Mop floors and wipe window ledges and other areas with soapy water. Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) or other lead-specific cleaning products can be used.
• Wash bedding and children’s toys and stuffed animals frequently.
• Wash your and your children’s hands frequently, especially after spending time outside in potentially contaminated soil.
• Since lead can come from the solder or plumbing fixtures in your home, water from each faucet should be tested. Let the water run for 30 seconds each morning before drinking or cooking with it – this will flush out much of any lead that may be present. When cooking, start with cold water – hot water may have picked up lead from the water heater or related plumbing. Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791) for information on laboratories certified to test for lead. EPA warns that about 40 million Americans drink water containing lead at unacceptable levels. Consumer testing kits are also available.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a difficult poison to detect because not only can you not see it but it also has no odor. Carbon Monoxide is produced whenever any carbon containing fuel (gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal) is burned. If used and maintained properly, these appliances do not produce enough Carbon Monoxide to be hazardous. However, if not used or maintained properly, they can be hazardous and even deadly.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide can often be mistaken for the flu, food poisoning or other common illnesses. These symptoms include: headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, shortness of breath or faintness. A couple of things that may help you discern if these symptoms are Carbon Monoxide poising or illness are:

• If the symptoms go away or lessen when you go outside.
• If other people in your household have the same symptoms and seem to be worst when inside the home.
• If you have any doubts see a doctor immediately. Be sure to mention to them that you suspect it could be Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

What can I do?

• Make sure you have your fuel burning appliances checked by a professional every year.
• Make sure your fuel burning appliances vent to the outside.
• Purchase a Carbon Monoxide detector. However, be aware that Carbon Monoxide detectors should only be used as back up. Although this technology is continuing to develop, some detectors are unreliable and may not sensitive enough to detect hazardous levels of Carbon Monoxide. Be sure to purchase only U.L.-listed detectors. Your local Fire Department will recommend specific models and can give the best advice for proper placement.