Most homeowners want their house to be a safe, comfortable place where they have a sense of security and belonging.
Many homeowners include the physical appearance to be a crucial part of the comfort and ownership they invest in their home.
But that comfort can evaporate quickly with the knowledge that an aspect of their house can actually contribute to their illness and the illness of their children and guests.
Lead paint can put all people, but especially young children, at risk for serious injury if it is not properly handled.
Though lead paint is no longer in distribution in the United States, homes built as late as 1978 may still contain this health risk.
Lead paint is most dangerous when it begins to deteriorate, creating lead dust or paint chips.
Lead is very harmful to the body's systems, including the central nervous system.
Lead exposure, when ingested, can lead to violent convulsions putting a person at risk to further injure themselves.
It also can result in comas and its complications can be fatal at times.
Children are often at the greatest risk of lead poisoning because of their contact with floors and other surfaces that often collect dust.
Also, young children have a propensity to place unhealthy objects in their mouths and as a result, have a higher risk of ingesting harmful material.
Because of the risk of lead paint exposure, it is crucial for the health of a home's occupants and guests that any area with deteriorating paint is properly treated and that all surfaces are intently cleaned.
If you know of lead paint in your house that is not deteriorating, it is not as high of a risk.
If you do choose to have it removed, it is crucial to have this done professionally so that the area can be properly cleaned and freed of harmful lead dust.
Lead exposure can be dangerous, even in short intervals and especially for young, developing children.