Paint looks innocent. Today, it mostly is. But let’s not forget that white lead pigments were once added to the house paints we used in New Zealand up until 1979. Until 1965, most paints on the market also had incredibly high lead levels, particularly those manufactured before 1945.

We didn’t know, at least not for a very long time, that lead paint can be a health hazard – and not just when it’s in your paint can. Dried lead paint flaking from painted surfaces can be incredibly dangerous.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to paint your house or a would-be purchaser with renovation plans, it’s essential to understand the painted surfaces you’re working with. Lead paint has many silent dangers:

Dust and Soil Contamination

Many homeowners only worry about possible soil contamination from asbestos if they have asbestos-containing building products in their homes. However, lead in soil is also a real possibility if your home’s exterior lead-based paint is in poor condition.

Old paint can deteriorate over time, flaking off as lead dust and chips. These can end up in surrounding soil, putting household occupants at risk. Pets and children can be at a higher risk than adults since they are more likely to place objects, hands, and paws in their mouths.

Renovation Risks

Renovating your home can be exciting. However, this task is not always without its risks. Alongside standard construction site health and safety risks, lead can be something you weren’t expecting.

Home renovations can disturb lead paint, causing chips and dust. If you don’t have containment and safe removal measures in place, you might be putting yourself at an increased risk of exposure.

Lack of Awareness

Very few people would intentionally put themselves or their loved ones in danger. However, a lack of awareness about lead can mean you’re none the wiser about the risks. You might not think to ask whether the house you’ve purchased was painted with lead paint. You might also not think to perform a lead test before renovating.

A lack of awareness can be dangerous. When you know nothing about lead and its dangers, you won’t know to put measures in place to protect yourself and others.

No Safe Levels

Just as there has been no pre-determined, scientifically researched ‘safe’ level for asbestos, there also isn’t one for lead. Even exposure to the most minuscule amounts of lead-based paint can be harmful, especially for children.

You might even think low-level exposure is no big deal, but consider how common lead-based paint is in homes. Frequent exposure to low-level lead paint might have the same health consequences as one significant exposure event. You might experience severe health issues in both situations.

Multiple Exposure Opportunities

Just as you can be exposed to asbestos in many situations, the same rules apply to lead. Most people can be diagnosed with lead poisoning after occupational and environmental exposure, such as inhaling lead particles from burning lead-containing materials, ingesting lead-contaminated dust, water, and food, and hand-to-mouth behaviour.

Neurological Damage

As innocent as lead-based paint looks, it can be so dangerous that people exposed to it can experience neurological damage. Even at low levels, it’s possible for lead to cause irreversible neurological damage, resulting in decreased IQ, learning disabilities, and even behavioural issues in children.

If pregnant people are exposed, it’s also not just them in danger. Their unborn children can be at risk of developmental issues. There can even be an increased risk of miscarriage.

Physical Health Challenges

The physical health challenges associated with lead poisoning can be severe. Exposure can result in high blood pressure, kidney damage, and anaemia. Adults might also experience reproductive problems. As cardiovascular health can sometimes be affected, some people can be at an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Behavioural and Developmental Issues

While many things can contribute to behavioural and developmental issues in children, lead is undoubtedly a troublesome cause. Many children exposed to lead can experience impulsivity, hyperactivity, and aggression that you might not think would be associated with lead. Exposure can sometimes also result in developmental delays that lead to language and speech challenges.

Psychological Problems

Lead doesn’t just affect your physical health. It can also have psychological effects. Some people experience anxiety and depression after lead exposure. However, studies have also found a surprising link between high blood lead levels and conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Take Care With Renovations

Health hazards like lead-based paint need to be taken seriously. The more informed you are about the silent dangers of lead, the safer you and your family might be. Seek advice if you’re planning any renovations to a house that might contain lead-based paint. Perform lead tests, implement a control and removal plan, and consult the experts for a safe and stress-free renovation project.