Lead is a common problem in homes that were built before 1978. As proof of it, it is also ranked as the number one environmental health risk for kids. It is something that pediatricians test for early in life and continue to do so until they are at least six years old. The scary part is, lead has already affected more than three million kids in the US. There are other countries that are also high in lead poisoning because virtually every country has used lead in both industry and consumer products. Therefore, if there is any chance that your home could be infected, it is important that you get it tested. There is a good chance that you will live healthier after hiring a lead testing company.
Why Lead Is a Major Concern for Kids
It has been proven that children who are exposed to even low levels of lead, tend to have issues both physically and developmentally. Children at most at risk of too much lead exposure when they are under six and this exposure can cause them to have learning disabilities, behavior issues, and growth problems. As a child grows, after exposure to lead, they continue to suffer setbacks, and there are kids who are exposed before they are even born. Pregnant women who have a high level of lead in their system can pass on issues to their child and then have a child that is born underweight or premature.
How to Avoid Lead Poisoning
The biggest thing you can do to protect your family from lead is to have your home tested if it was built before 1978. At any time before that, we relied heavily on lead in lead pipes, brass faucets, copper pipes, and of course; paint. If you are doing home renovations, you will definitely want to have everything tested because one of the main reasons kids get overexposed to lead is the dust that it produces. Kids get dust on their hands and put their hands in their mouth or on food, which then goes into their mouth. It is invisible, so you will not be able to protect them at all times. A lead testing company can help you find the source of the lead and to get rid of it quickly. Isn’t your family’s health worth it?
