Protect Yourself from Common Sources of Lead Exposure

October 2008

Ceramic dishes, art supplies, and vegetables are all common, and sometimes unexpected, sources of lead exposure. New research shows that although average blood lead levels have gone down, even low amounts of lead can be harmful, doubling the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Below are six sources of lead poisoning and tips on how to protect you and your loved ones from lead contamination.

Plumbing

Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder. New homes are also at risk, since plumbing labeled "lead free" is allowed to contain up to eight percent of the material.

Safety tip: Test your water with a home kit. If levels are above 15 ug/l, run the tap for 30 seconds first thing in the morning and when you get home at night to remove lead buildup.

Weak Bones

Lead is stored in the bones, and because new bone tissue is continually replacing old, lead travels in and out of your blood. More lead is released during periods of high bone turnover: after a fracture, during pregnancy, or during menopause.

Safety tip: Avoid calcium supplements made from bone, shellfish, or dolomite, which may contain high levels of lead.

Renovations

Remodeling a home built before 1978 greatly increases the chances of coming into contact with lead paint.

Safety tip: Seal off and thoroughly clean work areas and have builders enter and exit through a side door.

Ceramic Dishes

Some experts say that you should not eat off of older plates (pre-1960s) or handmade ceramics due to the possibility of lead contamination.

Safety tip: Test your everyday dishes with a lead test kit and make sure products are lead-free when buying new dishes.

City Gardens

Paint chips from old homes can contaminate the soil of urban gardens.

Safety tip: Wear gloves when gardening; wash your vegetables thoroughly, throw away outer leaves, and peel root vegetables; maintain soil pH levels above 6.5 and use compost or topsoil to neutralize lead.

Art Supplies

Certain oil and acrylic paints, especially reds, oranges, blues, and greens, contain lead to enhance color.

Safety tip: Check labels to make sure supplies are lead-free and work in a well-ventilated area.