Lead is an issue that is present in many older buildings and industrial facilities that were painted with lead paint before it was banned by the federal government in 1978. While a declining problem, lead paint and/or lead pipes or soldering is still present in some older structures and is still the leading cause of lead poisoning in children.
Lead can be found in the following:
- Paint: Many older structures have lead based paint present. This poses a risk for children and infants.
- Soil: Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.
- Household Dust: Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating lead-based paint or from soil brought into a building from outdoors.
- Drinking Water: Plumbing that the drinking water flows through with lead piping or lead solder, can contaminate drinking water.
- Other: Many older or foreign-made children’s toys can contain lead-based paint; antique items such as plates, may also contain lead.
- On April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Aegis Environmental inspectors are trained, state-certified lead inspectors. Aegis currently offers the following services:
- Lead-in-paint assessments
- Soil/dust sampling
- Abatement supervision
- Clearance testing
- Water Testing
- Lead Links:
- EPA Lead Page: http://www.epa.gov/lead/
- EPA Lead Pamphlets: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#resources
- EPA Lead in Your Home: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadrev.pdf