FACEBOOK.COM/WDDTYAUNZ ISSUE 01 | AUG/SEP 2019 | WDDTY 75
ALTERNATIVESJUNE 2019 | WDDTY 75REFERENCES
1 National Research Council (US)
Committee on Measuring Lead in Critical
Populations, Measuring Lead Exposure
in Infants, Children, and Other Sensitive
Populations. 1993
2 WHO, Lead Poisoning and Health. 2018
3 Environ Res, 1994; 65: 42–55; Salud
Publica Mex, 2003; 45 Suppl 2: S220–4
4 Matern Child Health J, 2013; 17: 172–9
5 National Bureau of Economic Research,
NBER Working Paper No. 24607. 2018
6 Environ Health Perspect, 2008; 116:
1285–93Keep paintwork in good
condition
Lead that’s sealed in beneath layers of
modern, lead-free paint shouldn’t be a
problem, but if it’s flaking or peeling it needs
to be dealt with promptly as it can create
harmful lead dust. Also consider whether
the paint is likely to be knocked, scratched
or damaged by children or pets, or if it’s in
a high-traffic area such as around windows,
doors or stairs. Renovate safely
The simplest way to deal with lead paintwork, if it’s
in good condition, is to seal it in with an overcoating of
modern, lead-free paint. But if it’s in bad condition and
needs to be removed, make sure you don’t use methods that
create dust or fumes, such as dry sanding or a heat gun. Try a
solvent-free water-based paint stripper instead from a company
like Lakeland Paints (www.lakelandpaints.co.uk). Or call in an
experienced professional. If doing it yourself, always wear protective
clothes, gloves and a face mask (suitable for lead particles),
remember to dispose of the removed paint in a sealed container, and
vacuum and clean the area thoroughly afterwards. Check your pipes
Lead is dull gray, usually thicker than plastic or copper
pipes and produces a ‘thud’ sound when tapped with a
metal object (rather than a clear ringing tone). A local
plumber can confirm if your pipes are made of lead.
If they are, consider having them replaced, or get a
water filter that removes lead, such as ZeroWater
filter jugs. Some water companies offer lead pipe
replacement programs for the portion of the supply
pipes they are responsible for leading to your house.
Contact your local water company for advice. Vacuum regularly
Inhaling lead-containing
house dust is a key route
of exposure to the heavy
metal, so keep surfaces
dust-free by vacuuming
and wiping them often.
Also, avoid wearing outdoor
shoes in your home to
prevent lead-containing dust
or soil from being tracked in
from outside. Be careful of cosmetics
Lead has been found to contaminate certain cosmetics
including lipsticks and eyeliner, so stick to reputable natural
brands that are transparent about their ingredients and
committed to strict standards regarding heavy metals and
other contaminants. If in doubt, contact the company and
ask them. Useful resources
For more information and advice
about lead in the home and what
you can do about it, check out the
following websites and links:
•US Environmental Protection
Agency: http://www.epa.gov/lead
•US Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/
nceh/lead/
•UK Department for
Environment, Food &
Rural Affairs: http://www.gov.uk/
government/publications/
advice-on-lead-paint-in-older-
homes
•UK commercial lead testing:
http://www.testforlead.co.uk