White lead (lead carbonate) was the main white pigment base used in paints for households and public buildings. Paints containing white lead are extremely dangerous as white lead is highly reactive, easily absorbed and has a sweet taste that is appealing to children. In 1970 paint with more than 1% lead, or paint containing white lead, was banned for domestic use.
If paint is known to be pre-1970 it should be tested for lead, especially if it is in poor condition and easily accessible to children. Lead check kits for paints are available at hardware stores. The most accurate way to determine lead poisoning is through blood tests.
If paint contains more than 1% lead, careful and immediate measures are needed to remove the lead paint. Removal of lead paint should only be done with caution. If your house contains a base coat of lead paint, and you scrape the paint off the walls without wearing protective clothing or a mask, and then put the paint flakes into regular garbage you will be exposing yourself to high levels of lead and be ingesting lead from the dust created whilst scrapping. By placing the scrapes in the garbage you are exposing your family to lead as the dust is disturbed in the bin and the lead is ingested through breathing in the dust.
If lead paint is exposed the dust, scrapings and flakes can be absorbed through the skin and the lungs and eventually build up to cause lead poisoning (plumbism). A key factor with environmental exposure to lead-based paints is child health - A child can eat lead dust, either directly or indirectly by sucking hands or toys contaminated with the dust. This can lead to elevated blood¬lead levels that recent research has shown may slow down the rate at which a child can learn and develop. Children at greatest risk are aged less than 7 years. More significantly, all cases of acute child lead poisoning admitted to Sydney hospitals in recent years have been attributed to lead paint renovation activities in the home.
After long exposure the nervous system, blood system and the kidneys are most susceptible to lead poisoning. Severe exposure can cause sterility, abortion and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Low levels impair neurotransmission, the immune system, and may increase systolic blood pressure. A common issue is muscle and joint pains/weakness and tremors. Headache, dizziness and insomnia are also frequently problems.
Children and pregnant women shouldn't be where lead paint is being removed. Exposure and absorption of lead can affect children's intellectual development and may cause other health problems.
The NSW EPA provides the following advice for removing lead-based paints:
- Assume your pre¬1970 home has been painted with lead¬based paint.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke where renovations are occurring.
- Wear a face mask (sold at hardware stores) and protective clothing such as overalls during paint removal.
- Pregnant women, children and pets should not be present in areas where lead¬based paint is being removed or where clean¬up is occurring. Keeping pets away is important because lead dust can collect in pet hair. Pets are hugged and cuddled by children and some pets sleep on children's beds.
- Tape plastic sheeting over floors before you commence work. Place plastic on the ground when renovating outdoors. Remember that leaded paint dust and scrapings can stay on the ground for a long time and can be harmful to children playing in these areas in future.
- Remove furnishings and light fittings from work areas. If this is not possible, cover them with plastic and tape.
- Removing paint by using a sander, sand blaster or blow torch will create hazardous dust and fumes. Dampen surfaces with a water bottle or wet cloth before sanding or scraping, or use a chemical stripper.
- Avoid using methylene chloride as a paint stripper. It is toxic and protection from fumes is difficult. Always follow the manufacturers' instructions.
- Try not to spread lead dust into clean areas of the house or yard. Remember to remove your work clothes and shoes when you leave the work area.
- When paint removal is completed, you should wrap and seal all waste such as paint chips and dust, rags, dusters and sandpaper in the plastic sheeting and place them in the garbage bin.
- Vacuum your carpets, window sills and skirting boards thoroughly after renovations. Professional carpet cleaning should be considered.
- After vacuuming, use a wet mop or rag to clean all hard surfaces, such as flooring, skirting boards and window sills. Do not empty the mop bucket directly onto a child's outside play area.
- Have a shower immediately after finishing work on renovations.
- Keep work clothes out of reach of children and living areas and wash them separately.
- As an alternative to removing lead¬based paint, you should consider sealing the wall with plaster board.
- In the past, lead dust may have built up in the soil where children play. Top¬ soiling, paving or grass¬turfing the bare soil may reduce the chance of children coming into contact with this lead.
- If you think that you have a problem with your soil, keep the lawn in good condition especially around heavily used areas, such as around taps and play equipment.
