What Are the Dangers of Lead in Houston, TX?
Lead is a naturally occurring element that is found in the earth. It has some beneficial uses and can be found in gasoline, paint, plumbing pipes, ceramics, batteries, and more. If lead was once used to manufacture so many different products, why is lead exposure dangerous? Lead exposure can cause serious health problems for humans and animals. In high enough levels, lead poisoning can cause seizures, coma, or death. Excel Industrial Group is here to expose the dangers of lead in Houston, TX.
What Is Lead Exposure?
Lead exposure occurs when a person or animal inhales lead powder, dust, or fumes or ingests lead through their mouth or skin due to contaminated food or water, lead on clothing or other surfaces, or cigarettes. Children are more likely to be exposed to lead because they put their fingers and objects in their mouths. They may also develop lead exposure from eating soil or lead paint. Adults can be exposed to lead through their jobs or hobbies. Lead poisoning occurs when high levels of lead build up in the body, typically over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause problems, especially in children under six.
Understanding the Dangers of Lead Exposure
There is no safe level of lead exposure for young children. Even at low levels, lead exposure can cause illness, mental and physical disabilities, developmental issues, muscle pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches, and stomach cramps. Lead poisoning or high levels of lead exposure can be deadly. The most common complications of lead exposure are:
- Developmental disorders and growth delays
- Cardiovascular problems
- Seizures
- Kidney disease
- Anemia
- Brain damage
- Nervous system disorders
- Reproductive health issues
- Chronic pain
Being Aware of Common Causes of Lead Exposure
Children and adults can come into contact with lead via contaminated air, soil, water, and food. You can also be exposed to lead through batteries, gasoline, or lead paint. The most common causes of lead exposure are:
- Paint
- Batteries
- Solder
- Pipes
- Pottery
- Roofing materials
- Imported cosmetics
- Water pipes
- Plumbing fixtures
- Copper pipes
- Food cans
- Imported goods
- Soil
- Household dust
- Imported toys
- Herbal or folk medicines
- Mexican candy
- Chocolate
- Bullets
Risk Factors for Lead Exposure
You may be more likely to be exposed to lead due to your age, environment, or occupation. The most common risk factors for lead exposure include:
- Age – Young children are more likely to be exposed to lead.
- Environment – People who live in older homes may be exposed to lead paint. You may also live or work in an older building that has contaminated soil or water.
- Hobbies or Job – You may be more likely to be exposed to lead if you work with lead-based products, such as those used in furniture refinishing, making stained glass, working with batteries, construction, and radiator repair.
- Use of Imported Goods – If you regularly use products from certain countries with less stringent manufacturing regulations, you may purchase food, cosmetics, supplements, medications, toys, jewelry, or other products that contain lead.
Lead Exposure Symptoms
Lead poisoning symptoms are different in infants, children, and adults. The most common symptoms of lead exposure in infants are:
- Premature birth
- Low birth rate
- Slowed growth
The most common symptoms of lead poisoning or exposure in children are:
- Developmental and growth delays
- Learning difficulties
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Fatigue
- Irritability and mood swings
- Abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation
- Hearing problems
- Vision problems
- Seizures
The most common symptoms of lead exposure or lead poisoning in adults are:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular problems
- Kidney problems
- Headaches
- Memory and concentration issues
- Joint and muscle pain
- Mood disorders
- Fertility problems
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth
What to Do if You Recognize Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
If you think you or your child has been exposed to lead, you should call 911 or make an appointment with your doctor right away. If you aren’t sure if a product you’ve used or been in contact with contains lead, you should call the National Poison Control Hotline.
Why Choose Excel Industrial Group
At Excel Industrial Group, we specialize in environmental cleanup services, including contamination spill services, soil remediation, excavation of contaminated soil, onsite soil solutions, environmental assessments, onsite sampling and testing, and waste analysis. If you suspect you have lead on your property, our team will respond quickly to assess the paint, soil, water, or other materials and determine if there is a threat. If we do find evidence of lead contamination, we offer lead remediation and waste management solutions. We have over 25 years of experience in hazardous waste disposal and are committed to providing efficient, safe, and cost-effective solutions.
Learn More About Lead Abatement & Chemical Waste Management
Proper waste management can help you avoid the effects of lead exposure and keep your family protected. Please do not hesitate to call Excel Industrial Group now or contact us online to learn about our chemical trading and lead abatement services.