We hear a lot about lead. We hear that it is bad for us and if we purchase a home that was built prior to a certain year, then it should be tested. We understand that it comes from paint and old style pipes, but do you really know what happens if you are exposed to it? Do you know why you may need to find out if there is lead near you? If you are like most, you probably have no idea why it is such an important test. So, many of us consider having it tested without fully understanding it. Do you need the services of a lead testing company?
Why Testing Matters
Lead is a natural element that has some beneficial uses, but it can be harmful if you are exposed to too much of it. It is in the air, the soil, water that we drink, and inside of most homes. At one time, gasoline was leaded, as was plumbing material, batteries, cosmetics, and paints. If you live where mining or smelting used to take place, your soil could have higher levels of lead. This poses a lot of health risks for you, your family, and your pets, because all the lead you are exposed to can build up in your body.
Health Risks of Lead
The health risks of lead exposure will vary from person to person. Kids may grow slower, have anemia, hearing problems and a lower IQ, which could also lead to behavior and learning issues. Women who are pregnant may have a baby born prematurely or very small. Older adults could have more risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, and even reproductive issues that could prevent them from being able to create a baby or have a normal pregnancy.
Should You Test for Lead?
There are certain things that you can do to lessen your family’s risk of too much lead buildup. Water damage should be repaired quickly, use cold water for food or drink preparations, clean out faucets often, encourage kids to wash their hands after playing in the dirt, and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. However, even if you do these things, it may still be a good choice to have your home tested especially if it is older, has a lot of water damages, or has old, peeling and chipped paint. There are kits that you can purchase and then you can send the test in to a lead testing company to save you from having to worry.
