|
|
|
|
It's the housing...Lead poisoning in Monroe County is almost entirely the result of lead paint in homes – paint that is peeling, flaking or simply deteriorating into dust. Homes built before 1978 have a high probability of containing lead; homes built before 1950 have even higher likelihood of lead.
As the paint
deteriorates it contaminates the window wells, window sills and floors and
other horizontal surfaces of the household. Exterior paints deteriorates and
contaminates the soil of the yard, particularly the drip lines and the
perimeter of the house.
When toddlers crawl, they get lead on their hands and toys and then they put their hands in their mouths. If the paint is very badly deteriorated it is even possible to be poisoned by breathing in the tiny particles of lead.
Lead can poison anyone at any age. But the greatest damage is done when the brain is developing in very young children. |
Coalition to Prevent Lead PoisoningCommitted to ending childhood lead poisoning in Monroe County by 2010 For more information, contact: pbrantingham@leadsafeby2010.org |
The
major sources of lead in the home are windows, porches and doors.