Old paint on the wall and small playthings such as rubber balls pose a much greater threat than recalled products, experts say.
By Abigail Goldman,
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
September 23 2007
Parents scoured children's playrooms and retailers scurried to clear their shelves after manufacturers ordered a series of recalls this summer, saying millions of popular toys may have been made with lead paint.
Used extensively for interior and exterior residential surfaces, toys and furniture from the 1940s to the late 1970s, lead-based paint was banned in 1978 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Remodeling dust can be poisonous.
An invisible hazard and threat for children and others. In 2006 the EPA is proposing new regulations. About 38 million homes or 40% of the nation's housing contain lead-paint. The new rules would apply to all renovations, including paint removal, demolition, window replacement, and heating ductwork repairs. Be sure that any contractor is certified to perform renovations which include lead-based paint.
Homes containing deteriorating lead-based paint are a health threat, especially to children under five. When lead-based paint on surfaces is sanded or scraped, it breaks into tiny, sometimes invisible pieces that children can swallow or inhale. More commonly, individuals can ingest dust and soil contaminated with lead from paint that flakes or chalks as it ages. Lead dust can settle on floors, walls and furniture.
If you suspect lead-based paint in your home or office, Alliance offers…
Proper containment and removal
Thorough site decontamination
Lawful disposal
If lead-based paint needs to be tested, we will refer you to a list of
certified labs
