Lead paint used to be used extensively throughout the United States, but it can be super dangerous to your health, and contrary to what you may think, lead poisoning is still a problem to this day. In fact, there were over 2000 cases of lead poisoning exposure in 2019.
So, how do you know if you’ve been exposed to lead paint, and should you think about lead paint testing?
In this article, we go over the signs and symptoms of lead paint poisoning.
Signs of Lead Paint Poisoning
Some homes are more prone to lead poisoning than others, based on when they were built and other factors. Some common causes of lead poisoning in today’s world include imported canned foods from other countries, older toys that were painted with lead, some types of pottery, and other older products.
However, pipes and paint in homes are the most common cause of lead poisoning in the United States. Older homes, especially those without their plumbing replaced, are more likely to have lead paint residue.
Lead can also leak into the soil, so it’s important to be careful, particularly when you’re in new areas. Testing for other air quality issues in your home, like fungal spores or pet dander, can help determine whether you may have a lead problem.
People in certain careers may also be more prone to lead paint exposure. If you work in fields such as construction, auto repair, manufacturing, pipe fitting, or similar occupations, you should be more vigilant about looking out for signs of lead poisoning.
Symptoms of Lead Paint Poisoning
Some of the symptoms of lead paint poisoning can be very alarming, especially when it comes out of nowhere. Common lead poisoning symptoms include stomach or abdominal pain, high blood pressure, irritability, fatigue, headaches, vomiting, and pain in your joints or muscles.
Some of the lesser-known signs of lead poisoning are ones that you may miss at first or mistake for something else. These can include difficulty concentrating, problems with your memory, seizures, and an unusual metallic taste in your mouth.
It’s important to know that children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning, so watch your children carefully when you’re in a new home or unfamiliar circumstances.
Lead poisoning is incredibly dangerous for pregnant people too because it can lead to stillbirth or miscarriage. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, get your home tested for lead exposure.
If you suspect you or a loved one has lead poisoning, go to a medical professional ASAP. A blood test can confirm whether or not you have lead poisoning, and your doctor can begin the treatment you need.
Lead Poisoning Can Be Prevented
Clearly, avoiding lead paint poisoning is important for maintaining your health, but there are actions you can take to proactively avoid lead paint exposure.
We can help you out with mold inspection and testing, air quality testing, asbestos testing, and more. Contact D’Pure for all the help you need in the Florida Panhandle area.
