For centuries, lead was a central element of human existence. The metal is easy to use because it is very soft and malleable. It was used in pencils to write with, gasoline to help engines run smoother, wine to make sweeter, and paint to add shine. It wasn’t until 1979, that a pediatrician named Dr. Herbert Needleman, began the discovery of how toxic and detrimental lead metal truly is. He made it his personal mission to educate other doctors and the leaders in certain industries who were using lead, of its harmful and deadly effects.
Lead paint had been around for years and it wasn’t until 1978, that manufactures stopped using it in residential homes. If your home was built before 1978, there is a high likelihood that your walls contain lead and it would be wise to have a professional come in to perform lead paint testing. Lead interferes with the functioning of cells throughout the entire body, of both humans and pets. It works by chemically inserting itself into the place of other crucial elements of human life, including but not limited to calcium, zinc, and iron.
Effects on Humans
Lead is never safe for anyone, but it is especially toxic for babies and children. This is in part because their bodies are smaller and therefore, a low dose of lead for them will not be processed as fast as it will in an adult’s body. Young children also seem to be affected more often because as many of us know, they explore the world by either chewing or eating the things around them. As stated above, lead was used as a sweetener at one point and often times if your wall is chipping, the paint chips will taste sweet to your unsuspecting child who will continue to ingest it without knowing the damage it can cause.
Symptoms of lead poisoning in children can appear slowly or it can be very fast and serious in no time. Some of the lead poisoning symptoms include:
→ Developmental delays
→ Loss of appetite
→ Weight loss
→ Weakness
→ Vomiting
→ Hearing loss
→ Seizures
If you believe your child could have ingested paint chips in an older home, it is advised to see a doctor who can perform lead testing on your child. Unfortunately, if lead poisoning is left untreated it can be deadly.
Effects on Pets
Because most pets are smaller than adult humans, they are also at risk for lead poisoning over a much shorter time. And just like children, pets also tend to explore using their mouths. If your animal is experiencing any of the following symptoms, they should see a vet immediately:
→ Vomiting
→ Diarrhea
→ Lethargy
→ Loss of appetite
→ Seizures
At Zenith Painting and Coatings, we are committed to helping keep our customers, their children, and their pets safe. All of our paint is tested and contains low VOCs. If you need your old toxic walls repainted, call us today for a free estimate and let us come in to get the job done right.