More than 400,000 people die from lead poisoning a year in the United States. Lead poisoning can also cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, respiratory problems, depression, reduced sperm count, and miscarriages and stillbirth.  

Young children are especially vulnerable, and childhood lead poisoning can stunt their physical and mental development. Children exposed to lead poisoning pre-birth are more likely to be born prematurely and to experience low birth weight and slowed growth.  

Older adults are also at greater risk because they may have been exposed to lead longer, especially before laws restricted the use of lead.

Sources of Lead Poisoning 

Water is one common source of lead poisoning, and Ravinia Plumbing can help. More on that in a future blog. But here we will discuss other sources of lead exposure, and how you can minimize the risk to prevent lead exposure.

Lead Paint

Lead paint was outlawed in 1978. But if your house was built before that, it may have lead paint on walls, windows, doors, railings, etc. Additionally, there could be lead paint on furnishings including cribs and highchairs. As paint cracks, chips and peels, children could eat it.    

Here are some remedies:

Lead Dust

Dust is a common source of lead exposure. Dust can come from lead-based paint, including dust created during home remodeling if lead-based paint is not removed correctly. Lead dust can also be tracked in through soil containing lead. Here are some lead poisoning prevention tips:

Soil

Soil can become contaminated with lead from paint, or from past use of leaded gasoline on the lawn. While it is extremely difficult to keep children from playing in these areas, here are some risk-reducing tips:

Food

If there is a great deal of lead in the soil, there is a risk that food can become contaminated.  Here are some tips to lower the exposure:

Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric to Ensure There is No Lead in Your Water

Next month we will discuss in greater detail how to protect your water supply from lead contamination. But if you do fear there is lead in your water, the plumbing professionals at Ravinia Plumbing can help you identify any potential problems. We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing, sewer, HVAC, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.