When lead-based paint was first introduced, nobody was aware of its dangers. However, this harmful invention, which was aimed at improving the vibrancy of the colour and helping the paint dry quicker, soon became a major cause of numerous health issues.
Fortunately, once the dangers of lead-based paint were realised, many countries, including New Zealand, banned it. After 1965, paints with high levels of lead were banned from the markets in New Zealand, and older houses that were coated with these harmful paints were starting to be repainted with modern paints that were safer for the environment and humans. But did this completely tackle the problem? Let us find out.
How Dangerous Are Lead-Based Paints?
If you live in an old building, specifically one built before the 1980s, chances are that you are exposed to lead-based paints. In such a situation, it is important to contact a group of professionals who are familiar with lead-based paint removal and interior painting in Auckland. Moreover, if you are unsure whether your building has layers of lead-based paint, you can contact a health protection officer at your local public health service to inspect.
So why is lead-based paint so dangerous? The answer to this question is lead poisoning. By continuously exposing oneself to lead-based paints, the physical, neurological, and psychological health of an individual is altered, leading to serious health issues that impact the quality of life and even death. Yes, you read it right: continuously being exposed to lead caused death, especially among young children. Here are some ways in which lead impacts a human life:
1. Neurological Damage:
People exposed to lead constantly for a long period of time experience neurological problems. Even if the exposure is at low levels, one can still experience irreversible neurological damage.
The symptoms of neurological damage because of lead exposure are more prominent among children at a young age. Many young kids experience developmental delays and learning difficulties that impact their later lives. Moreover, it has also been seen that adults who are exposed to lead experience Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in old age.
2. Psychological Damages:
Studies have also found that there is a correlation between lead exposure and anxiety and depression. Moreover, there have been researches that have shown a high association of lead exposure with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
3. Physical Damages:
The situation is graver when it comes to physical damage caused by lead exposure. Lead poisoning impacts every area of an individual’s physical health, including damage to the reproductive system, anemia, and kidney damage.
Lead exposure not only impacts the reproductive system of a female but also has significant repercussions on males. In females, lead exposure leads to hormonal imbalance, alters menstrual cycles, causes miscarriages, and may also impact fertility. In males, lead poisoning leads to low libido and semen quality.
How to Remove Lead-Based Paint From Your Home?
When the word about the health hazards caused by lead-based paints spread across the world, people started repainting their houses with paint that was free from lead. But in a hurry, the existing layer of the old lead-based paint was not completely removed. Hence, individuals are still experiencing the consequences of lead-based paints without their knowledge.
If you live in an old building, practising caution is a necessity. Moreover, consulting with a professional paint removal service is suggested instead of doing it as a DIY project. Additionally, when hiring professionals, make sure they are taking care of the following things:
- When the professionals begin with the paint removal process, all the furniture and curtains must be removed. If the floor is carpeted, it should be covered adequately to ensure no lead residue once the project is completed.
- After sanding the surface area, it is essential to wet wipe the surface and use a commercial vacuum cleaner to remove any dust residue.
- When paint is removed from the exterior of the house, the doors and windows should be properly sealed.
- After the paint is entirely removed and a new coat of “safe paint” is applied, the residue must be carefully collected in the groundsheet and disposed of. For guidance on disposing of the paint residue, you must contact your local city council.
Safety tip: Properly disposing of the paint residue is essential to prevent further lead poisoning. Moreover, please don’t burn the lead-based paint residue, as it will do more harm than good.
Contact Your Trusted Professionals Today!
The danger caused by lead-based paint is tremendous. This is why it is important to contact a team of experienced professionals familiar with lead-based paint removal projects. The team at Auckland Premium Paints comes equipped with well-fitted toxic dust respirators and protective equipment that ensure your and the painter’s safety.
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