From The Detroit News | By Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein
DETROIT, December 26, 2024 ~
The word “plumbing” comes from the Latin word for lead, plumbum.
The Romans popularized the use of lead in water and sewer pipes and created a system for delivering water to individual buildings.
Lead salts where commonly used by Egyptian Royalty in eyeliners, and lead acetate was added directly to food as a sweetener by the Romans and their cookware was lined with lead.
In first world nations, lead was a major component in paints, gasoline, batteries and many other products.
The difficulty lies in the fact that lead is extremely toxic, particularly in small children.
The American Healthy Homes Survey II, AHHS, measured levels of lead-based paint, LBP, in a sample of homes nationwide.
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The survey results are startling.
More than 29% of all housing units were found to contain LBP, while 15% of all such housing had significantly deteriorated LBP and more than 18% had lead dust issues.
The lead dust issue and even soil contamination in grounds surrounding such buildings, is significant because children can ingest the material unwittingly through the air they breathe, chewing on chipped paint in the home and the constant habit of placing fingers in the mouth and around the eyes.
Lead ingestion can impact learning, speech development, hearing, growth rates, nervous system development and behavior.
Most states require monitoring of water supplies since many homes still have potentially contaminated distribution systems.
On a local level, you can view the latest water testing results at government web sites.
Under Michigan’s revised Lead and Copper Rule, LCR, water supplies are required to do a “fifth liter sampling” at buildings that have or are suspected to have, lead service lines or lead pipes.
The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Act of 1992, known familiarly as Title X and effective on Dec. 6, 1996, for transactions involving owners of one to four residential dwellings, is intended to protect families from exposure to lead from paint, dust and soil.
Those most at risk are in buildings built before 1978, as well as children and fetuses.
Also at risk are those consuming water supplied by lead service lines, lead pipes, or even old faucets sold before 2024.
Pica, a craving to eat non-food items that is most common in 1- and 2-year-old children, can result in lead contaminated soils, paint chips and other items being consumed.
Prior to ratification of a contract for housing lease or sale, sellers and landlords must provide an EPA approved brochure regarding identification and control of lead-based paint hazards.
They must also disclose any known information concerning lead-based paint or lead based paint hazards including the location of the paint and/or hazards and the condition of the paint.
Additionally, sellers or landlords shall provide any records or reports dealing with lead-based paint or related hazards in or on the property. For multi-unit properties, this would also include any records concerning common areas or other units when such information was obtained as a result of a property wide or building wide evaluation.
The contract itself must include a lead warning statement and confirm that the seller or landlord has complied with all required notifications. This statement must be signed and dated by all parties to the agreement.
There may also be state aid available to help families remove lead hazards from homes. More information regarding this can be obtained by contacting the Lead Safe Home Program.
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides health services for children with elevated blood lead levels.
A finger-prick test is usually the first step in determining blood lead levels. Parents who suspect their child may have been exposed are encouraged to talk to a health care provider.
If you occupy a property where you know or suspect the presence of lead-based paint hazards, contact your local health department for advice on testing and remediation action.
Home should be a place where people are protected and safe. Take steps today to ensure your home is safe for all occupants.
And remember, when your home needs a professional, go to InsideOutsideGuys.com.
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For more advice, listen to the Inside Outside Guys every Saturday and Sunday on AM760-WJR from 10 a.m.-noon or contact us at InsideOutsideGuys.com.