Why You Need Professional Lead Testing
Concern for our safety influences every decision we make.
Lead Safety
From seat belts to bike helmets, we keep our health and well-being a priority. This includes making sure your home is also a safe environment. Unfortunately, the very walls of our homes could be dangerous. The EPA estimates there are over 1.3 million housing units in Missouri with lead-based paint. Because the health of you and your loved ones is a priority, professional lead testing from St. John Environmental Consulting is the right decision. Here is the information you need to make an informed choice.
What is lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Even though lead has some beneficial uses, it is toxic to humans and animals, even in small amounts. Lead is found in all areas of the environment including the air, soil and water. Lead has industrial applications in mining and battery recycling. Natural levels of lead in the soil are between 50-400 parts per million. Areas surrounding lead mines or smelting sites can have substantially higher levels of lead.
Why is lead dangerous?
Lead affects almost every organ and system in the body. Children under six are especially vulnerable to the effects of lead. Even low levels of lead can result in a lower IQ, hyperactivity and behavior issues, hearing problems, slowed physical growth and anemia. Higher levels of lead can cause seizures, coma and even death. Young children are exposed to more lead because their hands are more often in their mouths after being in the soil. Adults can also be exposed to lead through eating and drinking from lead dishes or glasses. Many jobs and hobbies can also increase lead exposure as well. Exposure in pregnant women is of heightened concern because of potential effects on a developing fetus.
What are the chances I have lead in my home?
Any housing built prior to 1978 may be considered suspect. In Missouri, an estimated 60% of dwellings built between 1960 and 1978 contain lead-based paint, jumping to 80% for dwellings built between 1940-1959, and as high as 90% for pre-1949 dwellings. Beyond paint, lead can also be inhaled from lead-based paint on older toys as well as in consumer products like spices, cosmetics and medicine. In recent years, poisoning from lead water pipes has made national headlines. The most important step anyone can take is to prevent lead exposure before it begins.
Are there laws governing lead safety?
The federal government has enacted regulations, including the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, to mitigate the hazards of lead in the United States. Enforcement of these regulations seeks to reduce human exposure to lead through drinking water, air pollution, consumer products, and in home and work settings. Whether you’re a home buyer, renter or business owner, the experts at St. John Environmental Consulting can determine your risk for lead exposure in your home or commercial property.
How can I get professional St. Charles or St. Louis lead testing in my home or business?
Your first call should be to St. John Environmental Consulting. Your safety is at the forefront of our business. We utilize the latest technology approved by the EPA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Our accredited experts determine an appropriate sampling plan for your home or business in St. Charles or St. Louis and protocol to determine if lead is a concern. We can even provide you with names of lead remediation companies if necessary.
