08/08/2018
Some days you do something that makes you feel better about yourself and the person you are. I conducted a lead based paint risk assessment on a home where the 17 month old child had an elevated lead level in his blood.
The home is an older house built in the 40's The young family is excited that they found a home they could afford and call Home.
To bring the home up to modern standards, they started renovating.
They tore out old wood trim and doors, refinishing cabinets and all of the things people do to fix up an old house.
When they found out that the baby had high levels, they became scared for their child and could see their dreams of a home going up in a cloud of lead dust.
All of the dust and chips developed by these actions is how the child was exposed.
Upon our recommendation, the child will be staying elsewhere until the work is done.
Over the next few weeks we will be teaching the Dad and his helpers proper ways to handle the clean-up and how to select professionals for the work. Once the project is completed, we will return and run clearance testing to ensure the child returns to a safe home and his new little baby brother or sister does not face the same issues when they are born.
If you are doing any renovations to an old house, be sure to know what dangers you may be disturbing before you start. Simple testing is cheaper than not knowingly harm yourself or your family.
When you start renovation yourself or use a contractor, keep the children out of the work area. Especially ones that still put things in their mouth. Most think that passes after they are no longer a toddler. For many children they still do it until 10-12 years of age to some degree.
Read the published guides of how to protect yourself and use the PPE (personal protection equipment)