Lead Problems Anyone?

KristensMom314

My 10 m.o. DD was recently tested for lead (since we live in an old house) and was found to have an elevated level in her blood.  We're in the process of getting testing done around our home and she returns to the doctor for more tests in 2 months, but thinking ahead--does anybody know of any lead abatement programs that help with removal?  We have 4 kids, so we don't exactly have thousands of dollars to put into the process...

JOEBunny

First, make sure it isn't your furniture that is the problem.  I had a friend who had an antique chest as a toy box, that was the problem.  Second common one is a deck that was pressure treated the old way ( I think they stopped in the 90's?).  Any antique probably has lead in the paint or finish.  We have a lot of them and live in an old house, but most of our house has been gutted.  Good luck.  I just read an article today that most juice and childrens snack has lead in it.  It is everywhere.

KoriBrett

Our house is 120+ years old and we looked into lead abatement, etc. ?After talking to the inspector and 3 contractors we decided to simply paint everything. ?The new paint seals the lead paint out and is perfectly safe as long as nothing is chipping off. ?Sanding and renovating make for TONS of lead paint dust so as odd as it sounds, sanding is bad.

You have to make sure that EVERY painted surface is newly painted, and assume that anything you did not paint yourself is lead paint. ?Our kids are 2 & 4 and have each been tested twice with no problems.

Carol*Brady

Look for chipped, flaking paint anywhere.  Also is she gnawing on anything wooden--toys, crib, etc.  My friend who had her son w/ lead found that he was gnawing on the woodwork in his room behind the curtain (so she never noticed).  Lead abatement can be costly--for use we always opt to paint over.

Rebekah1021

KoriBrett:

Our house is 120+ years old and we looked into lead abatement, etc.  After talking to the inspector and 3 contractors we decided to simply paint everything.  The new paint seals the lead paint out and is perfectly safe as long as nothing is chipping off.  Sanding and renovating make for TONS of lead paint dust so as odd as it sounds, sanding is bad.

You have to make sure that EVERY painted surface is newly painted, and assume that anything you did not paint yourself is lead paint.  

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hopefulmom

Do you have any toys made in China?