Symptoms of Lead Exposure To Watch For

Lead paint is commonly found in these locations: 

• Door jambs
• Window sills
• Walls 
• Built-in shelving 
• Vintage toys
  
  

Having lead paint in these locations doesn’t automatically create a health hazard, but it does become more dangerous as this paint starts to break down. Lead dust is created as the paint chips and peels away, and this dust is what creates respiratory issues for the people in your home. 

What Does Lead Paint Look Like? 

The good news is that lead paint can be identified in your home as long as you do a bit of investigating. Start with the locations above and look for these common signs that you might be dealing with a lead paint situation. 

Alligatoring of the Paint 

As lead paint ages, it will start to crack and break apart into a pattern that looks like reptile scales. This is also what leads to lead paint chips. As the paint starts to peel away, chips will break off and they can easily become ingested by curious kids. 

Chalky Texture 

Lead paint also has a chalky texture that feels smooth or waxy to the touch. When it starts to wear away, it will come off on your fingers and clothes and resemble chalk residue. 

Fading Gray Color

Lead paint will also start to lose its vibrancy faster and will take on a grayish hue as it ages.

Multiple Chipping Layers

Have you ever been to a house and seen a door frame that looks like it has undergone multiple layers of painting over the years? Even if the top few layers of paint are safe and lead-free, there could be layers underneath that have old lead paint in them. Use caution whenever you see multiple layers of paint in an old house. 

Why Is Lead Exposure Dangerous?

While lead does still have practical applications in today’s world, it is important to note that lead is considered a toxic metal in high doses. The longer you are exposed to lead, either in the form of paint or lead dust, the more dangerous it can be to your health.

As the levels build up in your body, it will start to affect organs like your heart, lungs and kidneys. It can even raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels, which can lead to potentially deadly emergencies like strokes. 

Lead Exposure in Children

Children are particularly sensitive to lead exposure. Children grow at a rapid rate, and any sort of lead exposure can be dangerous for their brain and overall development. Studies have shown that long-term exposure can lead to: 

• Damage to the brain
• Slowed or stunted growth and development
• Learning difficulties 
• Hearing/speech problems